Fused Joints of the Foot and Ankle- Part I in Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Joint fusion surgery is not very well known about, so I figured I would use this week’s blog to discuss exactly what this produce entails. I was inspired to write this week’s blog because of our office biller, Lori P., who had an extensive ankle injury, and was healed via an ankle fusion.

What exactly is joint fusion surgery and when is it performed?

Joint fusion surgery is a surgical procedure where any joint in the body is fused together as one unit, typically using internal or external hardware. In my profession, fusing joints in the foot and ankle can be done via one, two or even three joints being fused at the same time.  Joint Fusions are usually a last resort treatment option for degenerative arthritis. Many patients suffer from painful arthritis (I have discussed at length in the arthritis blogs) and use many different medical treatments to help with their pain. When all conservative treatments fail and the patient is still in pain, many times the patient and their surgeon opt to fuse joints. Another reason why someone may need a joint fusion is due to trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, infection or other failed ankle surgeries.

What are common foot and ankle joints that get fused?

In the foot, the most common joint to get fused is the great toe joint. Many patients suffer with arthritis in the great toe joint and have significant pain with each step they take. After all conservative treatment has failed many patients opt for a joint fusion.

The ankle is another joint that can be commonly fused; usually ankle arthritis is due to a trauma years prior that did heal well. In the rearfoot (the back of the foot) the subtalar joint, which is the joint beneath the ankle, is commonly fused, to help with severe flatfoot/arthritis.

Keep in mind, whichever joint gets fused, a patient will have zero motion in that particular joint.

What is the recovery like after these types of surgeries?

These types of surgeries require a cast post operatively for approximately 6-12 weeks. During this time being non weight bearing is imperative. At the 12 week mark you will slowly be allowed to weight bear with a below knee removable walker. At this time you will begin physical therapy. Patients should understand that when they get a joint fusion there is zero motion in that particular joint, therefore the joints around that joint will take the brunt of the movement. This fusion will take time for the body to adapt to and physical therapy can help with this transition. Pain is common post operatively but your surgeon will make sure you are prescribed the appropriate medications. Preventing an infection is controlled with antibiotics. Good patient compliance is important to allow for these fusions to heal. Since this is a complex procedure preventing complications is important.

Next week I will discuss the pros and cons of joint fusions and relate them to our biller Lori P.’s ankle fusion.

For more information, please visit our website at www.footnj.com