Final answer:
The surgical procedure to fuse a joint is called Arthrodesis, which is different from Arthroplasty, a joint replacement process. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and treating joint issues, while Arthropexy is not a recognized term in orthopedics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical procedure performed to fuse a joint is called Arthrodesis. This procedure is used to alleviate chronic pain and increase stability in a joint that cannot be managed by other treatments. It involves the surgical joining of the bones that form a joint, resulting in the prevention of joint movement. Arthoplasty, on the other hand, refers to the surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, such as the hip or knee, to restore movement and relieve pain. This process involves replacing the articular surfaces of the bones with a prosthesis or artificial components and is especially common in hip replacements and knee surgeries. In contrast, Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat issues within a joint.