Understanding Arthrodesis: Joint Fusion Surgery

15 July,2024

Living with chronic joint pain can significantly hamper your daily life. While conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy can offer relief, sometimes a more permanent solution is needed. Arthrodesis, also known as joint fusion surgery, might be the answer you've been looking for. This procedure offers significant pain reduction and improved stability, but it's essential to understand what it entails.

In this blog, we'll explore the purpose of joint fusion surgery, the recovery process, and the potential benefits and drawbacks. So, if you're considering arthrodesis, keep reading to get the complete picture!

What is Arthrodesis?

Arthrodesis or joint fusion surgery is an orthopedic procedure in which the surgeon joins the two diseased bones. The surgeon removes the cartilage between the bones and straightens them to unite together. It can be performed on different body joints, such as the ankle, spine, feet, wrist, thumbs, and fingers.

Arthrodesis helps relieve excruciating joint pain. The movement between the joints causes pain in arthritis and other orthopedic conditions. The surgeon eliminates the pain by fusing two bones together and making them one. The surgery also helps make the joint more stable and allows you to bear more weight.

Common joint fusion surgeries are –

• Hand and Upper Extremity Joint Fusion
• Shoulder Joint Fusion
• Spinal Fusion
• Knee Joint Fusion
• Hip and Lower Extremity Joint Fusion

Why is Joint Fusion Surgery Needed?

Arthritis is the primary reason why orthopedic surgeons advise joint fusion surgeries. The disease diminishes the cartilage and causes severe damage to the joints. In such conditions, fusing bones together significantly reduces joint pain. Apart from arthritis, other orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis, bone fractures, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease, may also warrant the need for arthrodesis.

A good candidate for joint fusion surgery is one who has tried traditional treatments such as pain medicines and physical therapy but still experiences pain. However, there are several conditions that might stop patients from undergoing arthrodesis. These include –

• Infection
• Poor Bone Quality
• Neurological Disorders
• Narrowed Arteries
• Immunocompromised Conditions

What are the Risks and Benefits of Arthrodesis?

Arthrodesis or joint fusion surgery is a safe procedure with a fusion rate of 80 to 100%. It offers several benefits such as –

• Improved quality of life
• Reduced pain
• Lifelong symptom relief
• Patients can bear more weight
• Greater body function
• Better joint stability
• Improved joint alignment

Arthrodesis does have some general risks associated with every surgery. Risks of joint fusion surgery include –

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Arthritis of nearby joints
• Nerve damage
• Scarring

What Happens Before Arthrodesis?

Before undergoing a joint fusion surgery, you will meet your orthopedic surgeon, who will ask you about the symptoms you are suffering and how much they affect your everyday life. They will also ask about the nonsurgical treatments that you have tried and how effective they were.

Once the surgeon establishes that you are the right candidate for a joint fusion surgery, they will explain the whole procedure to you, along with the risks and benefits. The doctor will perform a physical examination to check joint function and order blood tests and radiological studies such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including OTCs, herbal drugs, and supplements. Some medicines might cause complications during joint fusion surgery or interfere with the healing process after the surgery. Hence, these might be stopped a few days before the procedure.

Our surgery team will also advise you to stop smoking and drinking a week or two before arthrodesis. You are also required to stop eating and drinking 12 hours prior to the surgery.

How is Joint Fusion Surgery Performed?

The surgeon can perform arthrodesis either on an outpatient basis or you may be admitted to the hospital, depending upon your general health and joint condition. There are several ways by which arthrodesis can be performed. A general procedure involves following steps.

• Joint fusion surgery is mainly performed under general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist will administer medicines to keep you calm and so that you don't feel any pain during arthrodesis.
• The surgeon will then make an incision to access the joint. They will then remove the cartilage and the damaged joint tissues.
• The next step involves cutting the bones' ends to fuse them with internal fixation. The surgeon can use wires, pins, plates, rods, or screws to hold the bones that need to be fused.
• Sometimes, a bone graft may also be used for a better fusion.
• In the final step, the orthopedic surgeon will close the incision with the help of sutures or staples.

What is it Like to Recover from Joint Fusion Surgery?

A complete healing from joint fusion surgery or arthrodesis may take up to 12 weeks. You will need to wear braces or a cast to protect the joint.

• Since the joint is fused, you can expect permanent loss of mobility for that joint. The surgeon will inform you in advance about the extent of loss of mobility and ways to compensate for the loss.
• The timeframe for complete bone fusion following joint fusion surgery can vary based on multiple factors. These include the specific joint that underwent the procedure, the individual's healing capacity, and their overall state of health.
• For some time after the surgery, you'll need to avoid putting body weight on the affected joint. You can achieve this by using a walker, a wheelchair, or crutches to get around.
• Pain medications, such as NSAIDs, will be given to manage the post-surgery pain. The pain will subside automatically as the bones fuse together and the joint heals.
• A physiotherapist will plan a physical therapy regimen for you. It will help stabilize the joint, improve muscle strength, and reduce stiffness.

Key Takeaway

Arthrodesis is a powerful tool for managing chronic joint pain and regaining stability. While it's a major surgery with a recovery period, the potential for long-term pain relief and improved function can significantly enhance your quality of life. If you're considering arthrodesis, consult a qualified orthopedic surgeon to discuss your situation and determine if it's the right option. Together, you can create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to moving with confidence.