arthro-, arthr-

1. A type of articulation between bony surfaces that permits limited motion and is connected by ligaments or elastic cartilage, such as that between the vertebrae.
2. A form of jointing consisting of both diarthrosis and synarthrosis, the two bones being united by a cartilage of some elasticity, which prevents one surface sliding on the other, but permits a certain amount of movement; as in the joints of the vertebral column, the carpus, etc.

1. Excision of a joint.
2. A surgical operation to remove a joint

1. The surgical immobilization of a joint or a joint fusion.
2. The surgical fixation of a joint, ultimately resulting in bone fusion.

Basically, the procedure is artificially induced ankylosis (abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones of a joint) performed to relieve pain or provide support in a diseased or injured joint.

Characterized by pain in or around a joint which is not dependent upon a structural disease.