Ankylosis: Arthroplasty--Clinical and Experimental

The subject of ankylosis and its treatment presents many problems for consideration. In order immediately to emphasize the salient points of the subject, we will ask some questions: What are joints? What is the embryology of joint formation? What is the pathologic histology of acquired arthroses or false joints? What is the pathology of hygromata (acquired endothelial lined sacs)? Can they be produced artifically? What is ankylosis? What are the pathologic and anatomic changes included in the term? What tissues are involved? From a practical standpoint, into what classes may it be divided? When ankylosis has formed, what are the limitations of surgery for its relief? Can we re-establish a movable, functionating joint with synovial lining? Can we restore motion and to what degree? In what class of cases can the best results be secured? Can we for the future promise better than the flexible, fibrous unions that we have secured in the past?