Synostosis of joints

What it means

The abnormal fusion of neighboring bones across a joint.

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 this9

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

Also called: Bony ankylosis