Describing a joint or bone that has become stiffened and fused, unable to move or bend.
From Greek 'ankylos' (stiff) + past participle '-osed'. The adjective form describes the completed state of fusion or immobilization in bones and joints.
An ankylosed joint isn't just stiff—it's fundamentally changed, with bone actually bridging across where flexible cartilage used to be! Patients with ankylosed spines from severe arthritis literally cannot bend their backs, but sometimes the immobility prevents pain.
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