Arthrodesis

Arthrodesis, also known as joint fusion, is the artificial induction of joint ossification between two bones by surgery, done to relieve intractable pain in a joint that cannot be managed by medication, splints or other standard treatments. It is most commonly performed on joints of the spine, hand, ankle and foot, and although knee and hip arthrodeses were once also performed, they have largely fallen out of favor since the success of hip and knee replacement surgery, remaining only a last resort in some failed replacements.