'astragalectomy' originates from New Latin/modern medical formation, combining the Greek-derived noun 'astragalos' (via Latin 'astragalus') meaning 'ankle bone, talus' and the Greek suffix '-ectomy' from 'ektomē' meaning 'excision' or 'cutting out'.

'astragalectomy' was formed in modern medical English by combining the element 'astragalo-' (from Greek 'astragalos' through Latin 'astragalus') with the surgical suffix '-ectomy', modeled on analogous formations such as 'appendectomy' and 'tonsillectomy'.

Initially the elements referred separately to 'astragalos' = 'ankle bone' and 'ektomē' = 'cutting out'; together they evolved into the specific surgical meaning 'surgical removal of the talus (astragalus)'.