Amphiarthrosis

German: Amphiarthrose

1 Definition

Amphiarthrosis is a type of articulation that permits only limited movement.

2 Background

In contrast to synarthrosis that are mostly fibrous joints, amphiarthrosis have a joint space and are therefore assigned to the ‘real joints’. The articular surface can also be covered by cartilage (cartilaginous joint). However, due to tight ligaments between the concerning bones amphiarthrosis have a very limited range of motion. They do therefore often function as so called "secondary joints".

3 Examples

Examples for amphiarthrosis are:

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint (Articulatio sacroiliaca)
• Carpometacarpal (CMC) joints II-V (Articulationes carpometacarpales)
• Intercarpal articulations (Articulationes intercarpales)