Arthrodesis of Foot and Ankle—Arthroscopic SurgeryPronounced: AR-throw-DEE-sis of foot and an-kuhl
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionArthrodesis fuses the two bones that form a joint. The joint can no longer move after the procedure. One or more joints may be fused at the same time.
Reasons for ProcedureThis surgery is done to ease ankle or foot pain when other methods have not helped. It may also be done to treat poorly healed fractures, arthritis, damaged cartilage, infections, or abnormal foot structures. 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 ProcedureA few small incisions will be made. A narrow tool called an arthroscope will be placed through one incision. The scope has a tiny camera to let the doctor view the area. Other small instruments will be inserted through the other incisions. These tools will be used to do the surgery. There are many ways to fuse the two bones together. Long screws or bone grafts may be used. The incisions will be closed with stitches and bandaged. The doctor may need to switch to open surgery. A long incision will be made on your foot and ankle to do the surgery. How Long Will It Take?2 to 5 hours Will It Hurt?Pain and swelling are common in the first few weeks. Medicine and home care can help. Average Hospital StayYou may be able to go home in 2 to 4 days. If you have problems, you may need to stay longer. Post-procedure CareAt the Care CenterAt the care center, the staff may:
During 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 and fuse the joint(s). You will have a gradual return to normal activity levels. During that time, you will be in a cast or boot. Call Your DoctorCall your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:American College of Sports Medicine http://acsm.org Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.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 July 16, 2020. Ankle arthrodesis. FootCareMD—American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated 2018. Accessed July 16, 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. Updated September 26, 2017. Accessed July 16, 2020. Last reviewed March 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 3/23/2021 | |
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