anküloosust

Anküloosust is a medical term referring to the stiffening and immobility of a joint due to disease, injury, or surgical intervention. This condition occurs when the bones within a joint fuse together, significantly limiting or eliminating the joint's ability to move. The fusion can be complete or partial, and the affected joint may become painful and swollen. Ankylosing means to fuse or join together, and 'oos' is a suffix often used in medical terms.

The causes of anküloosust are varied. It can result from inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spine but can also impact other joints. Trauma, such as a severe fracture or dislocation that is not properly treated, can also lead to joint fusion. Infections within a joint can cause inflammation and subsequent ankylosis. Furthermore, prolonged immobilization of a joint, such as in a cast for an extended period, can sometimes result in stiffness that progresses to fusion if not managed appropriately with physical therapy. Surgical procedures aimed at stabilizing a damaged joint can also intentionally lead to fusion in some cases to alleviate pain and improve function, though this is a controlled outcome.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination to assess joint mobility and pain, along with imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the extent of bone fusion. Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause and severity of the ankylosis. They may include pain management, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy to maintain any remaining range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles, and in some instances, surgical intervention to remove or realign the fused bone segments.