sümfüüsis

Sümfüüsis is a medical term referring to the fusion of two or more bones into a single mass. This fusion can occur naturally or as a result of surgical intervention. In natural occurrences, sümfüüsis is often a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth, or it can develop later in life due to disease processes like arthritis or trauma. Surgical sümfüüsis, also known as arthrodesis or fusion, is a procedure performed to stabilize a joint that is painful or unstable. This is typically done by removing the damaged cartilage between bones and then holding the bones together with hardware such as screws, plates, or rods, allowing them to grow together.

The most common sites for sümfüüsis in the human body include the spine, where it is used to treat conditions like degenerative disc disease or scoliosis, and the ankle or foot, to alleviate pain from severe arthritis or deformities. While fusion eliminates motion at the affected joint, its primary goal is to reduce pain and improve function. The success of sümfüüsis depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the specific joint involved, and the technique used. Post-operative care often involves a period of immobilization and rehabilitation to ensure proper bone healing. Potential complications, though not always present, can include infection, non-union (failure of the bones to fuse), or adjacent segment disease, where increased stress on the joints above or below the fused area can lead to future problems.