ar·throd·e·sis 
(är-thrŏdĭ-sĭs, är′thrə-dēsĭs)
(är-thrŏdĭ-sĭs, är′thrə-dēsĭs)n. pl. ar·throd·e·ses (-sēz)
The surgical fixation of a joint to promote bone fusion, used to treat intractable pain.
[ARTHRO- + Greek desis, binding together (from dein, to bind).]