Which term describes the surgical joining of two bones or parts to allow for stability?

The term that describes the surgical joining of two bones or parts to allow for stability is known as arthrodesis. This procedure, often referred to as joint fusion, involves surgically fusing two or more bones together, typically in an area where a joint is present, such as the spine, ankle, or wrist. By stabilizing the joint, arthrodesis can alleviate pain and improve function for patients with certain degenerative joint conditions or after traumatic injury.

In contrast, osteotomy involves cutting a bone to change its alignment or length rather than joining two bones. Chondroplasty refers to the surgical modification of cartilage in a joint, focusing on repairing or reshaping it, not fusing bones. Cranioplasty is the surgical repair of skull defects, which is unrelated to the stabilization of bones in a joint context. Thus, arthrodesis is the most appropriate term for the surgical joining of bones to enhance stability.