joint fusion

Joint fusion, also called arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure where two bones within a joint are permanently connected to eliminate movement in that joint. This is achieved by removing damaged cartilage and introducing bone grafts or metal hardware to encourage the bones to grow together over time. The goal is to reduce pain and improve stability when a joint is severely damaged by arthritis, injury, or other conditions. Once fused, the joint no longer moves, which can significantly lessen discomfort but also means the joint loses its original range of motion.