Definition
Definition
Arthrodesis fuses the 2 bones that form a joint. There is no longer movement in the joint after the procedure. One or more related joints may be done at the same time.
Arthrodesis of Foot and AnkleCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Ankle and foot arthrodesis is done to relieve disabling ankle or foot pain, or deformity caused by poorly healed fractures, arthritis, damaged cartilage, infections, or developmental defects.
The procedure results in pain relief in most patients.
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an arthrodesis, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Failure of the joint to fuse
- Poor alignment of the joint, causing pain and/or change in walking pattern
- Need for repeat surgery
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity
- The use of certain medications
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Several nonsurgical treatments will be tried to correct the problem before choosing surgery. These may include medications, injections, special shoes, or types of physical therapy. You will have a thorough evaluation to determine your overall health and any risk factors.
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week before the procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
Arrange for help at home after returning from the hospital.
Anesthesia
Your doctor may choose:
- General anesthesia —You will be asleep.
- Spinal anesthesia —Anesthesia will be given directly into the spine; your lower body will be numb
Description of the Procedure
A long incision will be made to view the joint. The joint will be secured. There are many ways to secure the 2 bones together so that they no longer move in relation to one another. Long screws, screws and steel plates, long steel rods, or bone grafts have all been used.
You will have a tight bandage strapped around your thigh to shut off circulation during surgery. This will not harm your leg.
Immediately After Procedure
Your lower leg will be in a rigid cast and be elevated after surgery. You will be offered pain medication.
How Long Will It Take?
About 2-3 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?
There will be no pain during the procedure. Afterwards, there will be some discomfort. Talk to your doctor about medication to help manage discomfort.
Average Hospital Stay
You may be able to go home in 2-4 days if you do not have any complications.
Postoperative Care
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same
- Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
- Not allowing others to touch your incisions
It will take up to 4 months to heal and solidly fuse the joint(s). During that time, you will be in a cast.
Some people may be able to wear ordinary shoes while others may need specially fitted footwear.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Bleeding or discharge from your incision(s). This may show up as staining of your cast.
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Increasing or severe pain that is not relieved by your pain medication
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea and vomiting
- Numbness, tingling, or discoloration in the foot
In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
University of Washington School of Medicine http://www.orthop.washington.edu
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Department of Orthopaedics—The University of British Columbia http://www.orthosurgery.ubc.ca
References:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00209
Updated September 2008. Accessed March 2, 2015.
Daniels TR. Ankle arthrodesis. Canadian Orthopaedic Association website. Available at:
http://www.coa-aco.org/library/clinical-topics/ankle-arthrodesis.html
Accessed March 2, 2015.
Foot pain—differential diagnosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 29, 2014. Accessed March 2, 2015.
Last Updated: 2/7/2014