Which term is used to describe a joining of two bones at a joint?

The term that describes the joining of two bones at a joint is "arthrodesis." This medical procedure involves the surgical fusion of bones within a joint, effectively immobilizing that joint. Arthrodesis is often performed to alleviate pain, especially when there is joint degeneration or severe arthritis, allowing the bones to heal together in a fixed position.

Arthroscopy, found in two of the choices, refers to a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to visualize and work inside a joint using an arthroscope. While it doesn’t involve the joining of bones, it is used for diagnosis and treatment of joint conditions.

Arthroplasty, on the other hand, is the surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, typically to restore function after damage due to injury or degeneration. This procedure aims to replace or repair the damaged joint rather than directly joining the two bones.

The correct term, therefore, is "arthrodesis," which is focused specifically on the fusion of two bones at a joint, making it the appropriate choice for this question.