Pronounced: AR-throw-DEE-sis of foot and an-kuhl
Arthrodesis fuses the two 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 Ankle
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Ankle and foot arthrodesis is done to relieve disabling ankle or foot pain, or deformity caused by poorly healed fractures, arthritis, infections, or developmental defects.
The procedure results in pain relief in most patients. Some may be able to wear ordinary shoes while others may benefit from specially fitted footwear.
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:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Several nonsurgical treatments will be tried to correct the problem before choosing surgery. These may include medicines, 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 medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
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.
Your doctor may choose:
The doctor will make a long incision to view the joint. The joint will be secured. There are many ways to secure the two bones together so that they no longer move in relation to one another. Long screws, screws and steel plates, long steel rods, and 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.
Your lower leg will be in a rigid cast and be elevated after surgery. You will be offered pain medicine.
About 2-3 hours
There will be no pain during the procedure. Afterwards, there will be some discomfort. Talk to your doctor about medicine to help manage discomfort.
You may be able to go home in 2-4 days if you do not have any complications.
It will take up to four months to heal and solidly fuse the joint(s). During that time, you will be in a cast. After the procedure, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions . Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
University of Washington School of Medicine
http://www.orthop.washington.edu
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Department of Orthopaedics
The University of British Columbia
http://www.orthosurgery.ubc.ca
References:
Arthritis of the foot and ankle: arthrodesis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00209. Updated September 2008. Accessed April 4, 2013.
Daniels TR. Ankle arthrodesis. Canadian Orthopaedic Association website. Available at: http://www.coa-aco.org/library/clinical-topics/ankle-arthrodesis.html . Accessed April 4, 2013.
Foot pain—differential diagnosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated October 31, 2011. Accessed April 4, 2013.
Last reviewed April 2013 by John C. Keel, MD; Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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