Arthrodesis of Foot and Ankle—Open SurgeryPronounced: AR-throw-DEE-sis of foot and an-kuhl
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionArthrodesis fuses two bones that form a joint. The joint will not be able to move after this surgery is done. One or more joints may be done at the same time.
Reasons for ProcedureThis surgery is done on people with ankle or foot pain who are not helped by other methods. It may be done to ease pain from:
Possible ComplicationsProblems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureThe surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
AnesthesiaThe doctor may give:
Description of the ProcedureOne or more incisions will be made. Cartilage will be removed from the joint. Any repairs will be made. The bones will be connected using things like screws, plates, rods, or bone grafts. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples. It will be covered with a bandage. Immediately After ProcedureYour leg will be raised to ease swelling. Pain medicine will also be given. How Long Will It Take?About 2 to 3 hours How Much Will It Hurt?Pain and swelling are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can manage pain. Average Hospital StayThe usual length of stay is 2 to 4 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer. Post-procedure CareAt the HospitalDuring your stay, staff will take steps to lower your chance of infection, such as:
You can also lower your chance of infection by:
At HomeIt will take up to 4 months to heal. A cast or boot will be needed. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. Call Your DoctorCall the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:Ortho Info—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. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated December 2019. Accessed May 11, 2020. Ankle arthrodesis. FootCareMD—American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated 2018. Accessed May 11, 2020. Deben SE, Pomeroy GC. Subtle cavus foot: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2014 Aug;22(8):512-520. Pes cavus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/pes-cavus. Accessed May 11, 2020. Last reviewed February 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 3/24/2021 | |
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