What is foot arthrodesis?
Foot arthrodesis is a surgical technique that consists of the artificial fusion of the bones that form the joint, which will remain immobile after surgery.
Foot arthrodesis surgery is performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis.
Why is it performed?
The purpose of the intervention is to relieve pain or reduce foot deformity caused by:
- Poorly healed fractures
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Arthrosis
- Infections
- Congenital defects
What does it consist of?
Two different techniques are used in foot arthrodesis:
- Open foot arthrodesis: A long incision is made and direct visualization of the joint.
- Arthroscopic foot arthrodesis: Small incisions are made in the skin through which a thin arthroscope with a small camera connected to a monitor is inserted so that the doctor can observe each step of the operation. Other thin instruments will be inserted into the joint through small incisions to perform the surgery. There are many ways to secure the two bones together so that they can no longer move in relation to each other:
- Long screws
- Screws
- Steel plates
- Long steel rods
- Bone grafts
.
The goal of foot arthrodesis is to relieve pain or decrease foot deformity.
Preparation for foot arthrodesis
Preparation before the operation involves a thorough cleaning of the head of the first metatarsal and the base of the first phalanx up to the appearance of the subchondral bone.
Post-operative care
It will take four months for the joints to fuse completely, and then rehabilitation treatment with a physiotherapist will be required.
Postoperative pain is perfectly controlled with oral medication. During this period the postoperative cures, the necessary control X-rays and rehabilitation exercises are performed. Postoperative footwear should be worn for a period of 6 to 8 weeks, until the bone is fused, and then the patient will wear sports shoes for a similar period.
Alternatives to this treatment
Arthroplasty or joint replacement is an alternative to improve the affected joint and relieve pain.