What is Arthrodesis?
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The definition of Arthrodesis is the surgical intervention in which you are fusing two joints together. This surgery is most commonly performed in the spine, wrist, ankle, and foot. The surgery is typically performed to relieve pain that could not be relieved through conservative interventions. Injuries that usually lead to arthrodesis are fractures, severe sprains, and, most commonly, arthritis. The procedure is done by scraping away the damaged cartilage and using metal plates, screws, and/or wires to allow the joints to fuse.
What is Treatment after Arthrodesis Surgery?
After the procedure, the joint is immobilized with a cast.
The primary goal of an arthrodesis surgery is to alleviate pain from a joint. Typically after the procedure, the joint will be immobilized with a brace, splint, or cast and will most likely be using crutches, wheelchair, or scooter to get around as the physician will limit weight-bearing for up to 12 weeks to let the joint completely heal. Since the surgery is fusing two joints, expect to lose mobility at the surgical site. Physical therapy will be utilized to improve strength and stability above and below the joint and improve activities of daily living ability such as walking, stair climbing, balance, squatting, and reaching.
What are the risks after Arthrodesis Surgery?
Most people do well after arthrodesis surgery, but there are risks to any procedure. Arthrodesis is generally considered a safe surgery. After this surgery, risks include but are not limited to infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve damage, broken hardware, and arthritis. Long term, the most common complication is arthritis in surrounding joints, but this could take years to develop, and the patient may never even notice. Follow your doctor’s instructions for a successful recovery.
Is Arthrodesis Surgery Painful?
JOI Physician looking at X-Ray
The primary reason for performing an arthrodesis surgery is to alleviate pain, usually after trying more conservative plans first, such as pain medication, physical therapy, or less invasive surgery. Foot surgery recovery after the surgery can be painful but should progressively improve with physical therapy once prescribed by your surgeon. The benefits of the surgery will improve your day to day activities and quality of life. It can take some time to heal, and most people do good after having it. JOI’s team of physicians can help you get on the road to recovery.
What is the Difference Between Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis?
The quick answer is arthroplasty by definition is a joint replacement surgery for a joint by realigning or replacing the joint with a prosthetic one. Whereas with the arthrodesis surgery, the surgeon is fusing the joints together. Arthrodesis surgery has been less frequently used for knee and hip joints due to improved outcomes with total joint arthroplasties such as the total knee and total hip, which are among the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries. For more information on Arthroplasty, read this ARTICLE.
What are the Most Common Joints Used with Arthrodesis Surgery?
Arthrodesis recovery is about 3 months.
The quick answer, most common arthrodesis surgeries are for the spine, ankle, foot, and hand. The spine is typically used with advanced spinal stenosis cases and disc herniation, where the surgery can relieve nerve and/or arthritic pain. The triple arthrodesis or hind-foot fusion is a common foot fusion surgery; this is where the surgeon will fuse the joints that provide side-to-side motions in the ankle (talonavicular, subtalar, calcaneocuboid) to reduce painful foot deformities and improve ankle/foot stability. The improved stability and reduced pain should then provide improve walking and standing ability. The average recovery after this surgery is about 3 months. You may need family members to help with household tasks immediately after the surgery.
What do I do if I have Joint Issues?
If joint pain is affecting your day to day activities and exercise routine, JOI and JOI Rehab can help you. All you have to do is schedule an appointment.
Related Articles: Sacroiliac Joint and MCP Joint.
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