ankylosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is the pathological stiffening of a joint by fibrosis, or by the fusion of the separate bones. (Surgical fusion of a joint is termed arthrodesis). It may follow
- acute suppurative arthritis
- tuberculous arthritis
Ankylosis of the spine and sacroiliac joints, with variable involvement of peripheral joints, is characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis.