The use of internal fixation, such as screws, plates, or intramedullary nails, to hold the bones in place.
Arthrodesis is versatile and can be performed across various parts of the skeletal system: arthrodesis
, commonly referred to as joint fusion , is a specialized surgical procedure designed to permanently join two bones at a joint . While modern orthopedics often highlights joint replacement (arthroplasty) as the standard for mobility, arthrodesis remains a cornerstone "salvage" procedure for patients suffering from severe pain, structural instability, or end-stage degenerative diseases where preservation of motion is no longer viable. Core Principles and Surgical Methodology The use of internal fixation, such as screws,