Ankylosis

What it means

A reduction of joint mobility resulting from changes involving the articular surfaces.

Note that contracture refers to a reduction of joint mobility due to permanent shortening of the soft parts around a joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fasciae, or skin. Ankylosis and contracture can occur together or alone. Fibrous ankylosis refers to adhesions between the opposing surface of a joint. Cartilaginous ankylosis implies the fusion of two apposed cartilaginous surfaces. Bony ankylosis or synostosis refers to an osseous union between articulating surfaces.

Rare diseases that can present with this3

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category