Anchylosis is a medical term used to describe the abnormal fusion or rigid immobilization of a joint, resulting in the loss of mobility and flexibility. It occurs when the joint structures, such as the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, become inflamed or damaged due to injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions, leading to the formation of excessive scar tissue and adhesions.
This process can be triggered by various factors, including trauma, chronic inflammation (such as rheumatoid arthritis), infection (such as tuberculosis), or prolonged immobilization. As a result of anchylosis, the affected joint becomes stiff, painful, and difficult to move, causing considerable limitations in physical movements and functioning.
Anchylosis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, spine, and shoulders. The severity of anchylosis can range from mild stiffness to complete fusion, where the joint becomes solid and unyielding.
Treatment options for anchylosis often depend on the underlying cause and the extent of joint involvement. Non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, pain management, and anti-inflammatory medications may be attempted initially. In more severe cases, surgical intervention, such as joint replacement or joint fusion, may be considered to alleviate pain, improve function, and restore mobility.
Overall, anchylosis represents a medical condition characterized by the pathological fusion and immobility of a joint, requiring appropriate management to maintain or restore joint function and quality of life.
