Ankylosis is a medical condition in which the bones that form a joint are fused together, resulting in stiffness and limited mobility. The term ankylosis is also used in dental and veterinary medicine to describe the fusion of teeth or joints in animals. Some synonyms for the term "ankylotic" include rigidity, immobility, stiffness, fusion, and fixation. Other related terms include contracture, which describes the shortening or tightening of muscles or tendons, and arthritis, which refers to inflammation of joints that can lead to ankylosis if left untreated. Effective treatment of ankylosis depends on early detection and management of the underlying cause.