Ankylosis is a condition in which a joint becomes rigid due to inflammation or injury. It is the result of a fusion between two bones, typically caused by trauma or chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Ankylosis can be classified based on the affected joint and the cause.
The most common classification of ankylosis is based on the type of joint that is affected. The types of ankylosis include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, sternoclavicular joint ankylosis, and cervical vertebral ankylosis. TMJ ankylosis is a condition in which the joint between the temporal bone and the mandible becomes rigid, leading to difficulty in opening the mouth. Sternoclavicular joint ankylosis is a condition in which the joint connecting the clavicle and the sternum becomes rigid, leading to difficulty in shoulder movement. Cervical vertebral ankylosis is a condition in which the vertebrae of the neck become fused together, leading to difficulty in neck movement.
The second classification of ankylosis is based on the cause of the condition. The types of ankylosis due to trauma include post-traumatic ankylosis, post-surgical ankylosis, and post-joint replacement ankylosis. Post-traumatic ankylosis is a condition in which the joint becomes rigid due to a traumatic event, such as a fracture or dislocation. Post-surgical ankylosis is a condition in which the joint becomes rigid due to surgery, such as a procedure to repair a fracture or to replace a joint. Post-joint replacement ankylosis is a condition in which the joint becomes rigid due to joint replacement surgery.
The third classification of ankylosis is based on the degree of joint stiffness. The types of ankylosis based on the degree of joint stiffness include complete ankylosis, partial ankylosis, and mild ankylosis. Complete ankylosis is a condition in which the joint is completely rigid and movement is not possible. Partial ankylosis is a condition in which the joint is partially rigid and some movement is possible. Mild ankylosis is a condition in which the joint is minimally rigid and some movement is possible.
Ankylosis is a debilitating condition