Joint Fusion

Joint fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure where two bones in a joint are permanently fused together. This creates a single, solid bone, eliminating movement in the joint but aiming to improve stability and reduce pain.

Here's a breakdown of joint fusion surgery:

Reasons for joint fusion:

• Severe arthritis: When degeneration of joint cartilage in arthritis becomes severe, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and limited function, joint fusion can be an option after nonsurgical treatments have failed.
• Joint instability: In cases of ligament damage or deformity that leads to excessive joint movement and instability, fusion can provide stability.
• Fractures: Complex fractures that involve or damage the joint surface may sometimes be treated with fusion to ensure proper healing and prevent future problems.

The procedure:

• An orthopedic surgeon makes an incision near the affected joint.
• Damaged cartilage and bone may be removed to prepare the bone ends for fusion.
• Bone graft material, taken from another part of the body or a donor, may be used to promote bone growth between the two bones being fused.
• Metal plates, screws, or rods are used to hold the bones together while they heal and fuse.
• The incision is then closed with sutures or staples.

Recovery:

• Joint fusion is typically an inpatient surgery requiring a hospital stay for a few days.
• The fused joint will be immobilized for a period of time, often in a cast or brace, to allow for proper healing and fusion.
• Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength, flexibility, and adapting to the loss of movement in the joint. Recovery can take several months or even a year.

Benefits:

• Pain relief: Joint fusion can significantly reduce pain caused by a damaged or unstable joint.
• Improved stability: Fusion provides stability to the joint, helping to improve function and prevent further damage.
• Durability: Once healed, the fused joint is generally quite durable and less prone to future problems compared to an artificial joint replacement.

Risks and complications:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there's a risk of infection at the surgical site.
• Nonunion: In some cases, the bones may not fuse properly, requiring additional surgery.
• Stiffness: Surrounding joints may become stiff due to reduced movement in the fused joint.
• Pain: While the goal is pain relief, there's a possibility of persistent pain after surgery.
• Neurovascular injury: There's a small risk of damage to nerves or blood vessels during the surgery.

Who is a candidate for joint fusion?

Joint fusion is typically considered for people with severe joint problems that haven't responded to other treatments. Factors like age, overall health, and activity level will also be considered when determining if joint fusion is the right option.

It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of joint fusion surgery with our doctor to see if it's the right course of treatment for you.