Definition

Noun: 1. The surgical fixation of a joint intended to result in bone fusion: A surgical procedure that fuses the bones of a joint together, eliminating movement to relieve pain or provide stability.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon recommended arthrodesis for the severely arthritic ankle.
  • After the failed joint replacement, arthrodesis became the only viable option.
  • The arthrodesis of his wrist joint successfully alleviated the chronic pain.

Advanced Usage

• As a medical term: The word is almost exclusively used in medical contexts (orthopedics, rheumatology, patient education).
  • The discussion focused on the indications and contraindications for arthrodesis.
• Specifying the joint: Often followed by the name of the specific joint (e.g., spinal arthrodesis, knee arthrodesis).
  • She underwent a triple arthrodesis of the hindfoot.

Variants and Related Words

• Arthrodesed (adj.): Describing a joint that has been surgically fused.
  • The arthrodesed spine provided the necessary stability.
• Arthrodesis is a specific type of arthroereisis (a broader term for surgical joint stabilization).

Synonyms

• Surgical fusion: The most common layperson's synonym.
• Joint fusion: A straightforward descriptive term.
• Ankylosis (surgical): Note: can also refer to pathological/stiffening fusion, while is always surgical.

Related Phrases (Medical Terminology)

• To undergo an arthrodesis: To have the surgical procedure performed.
  • The patient will undergo an arthrodesis next month.
• To perform an arthrodesis: From the surgeon's perspective.
  • The orthopedic surgeon will perform an arthrodesis.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The term refers strictly to the intentional surgical procedure. It is not used for natural bone fusion from disease (which is ).
• Outcome: The goal is a solid, painless union of bones, sacrificing joint mobility for stability and pain relief.

Noun

1. the surgical fixation of a joint which is intended to result in bone fusion