Archylosis is a stiffening or fusion of a joint. Essentially equivalent to the modern usage of ankylosis. In and of itself the term archylosis was used more frequently by veterinarians and other agriculture horse doctors in the 19th century. I suspect, reading the surgeons note, the arm wound, though not severe enough to warrant amputation, did result in nerve damage to the extent flexion capability of the elbow was lost resulting in flexure contraction and thus "fixation of the joint" or archylosis. Today we prevent that with orthotics, external nerve and muscle stimulators, and physical therapy but we still see "archylosis" of the elbow as a late effect of stroke or trauma to the arm. If not treated fusion of the bones can occur being called complete or osseous ankylosis. This condition requires surgery to remove the bone spicules and spurs that bridge the natural joint space.

Only on the Missouri Board does trivia such as this surfaces, (not really but we are thankfully a talkative bunch.) :>)

John R (MD, FAAP)