Most reliable operation for pain or instability, where stiffness does not seriously affect function, e.g. spine, tarsus, ankle, wrist, and interphalangeal joints.
Arthrodesis may be
- Intra-articular
- Intra-articular and extra-articular
- Extra-articular
The choice will depend on the patients age, pathologic process and the presence or absence of gross deformity.