Which term means surgical union of a joint, fusing it?

• A. Arthrocentesis
• B. Arthrodesis
• C. Arthrography
• D. Arthroplasty

Answer: (B)

The main concept is the surgical fusion of a joint. The term for that is arthrodesis, built from arthr- meaning joint and -desis meaning binding or tying together. An arthrodesis creates a solid bony union across the joint and eliminates movement at that location, which can relieve pain or stabilize a severely damaged joint. This is different from other joint procedures: arthrocentesis is puncturing a joint to remove fluid; arthrography is imaging of a joint (often with contrast); and arthroplasty means reconstructing or replacing a joint.