A foot is fused through a surgical procedure that eliminates painful joint movement by stiffening the bones together.
Understanding Foot Fusion
Foot fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pain and correcting deformities in the foot. It involves joining two or more bones together so that they no longer move independently.
The Fusion Process
The process of fusing a foot involves the following steps:
- Removal of Damaged Joints: The first step is to remove the cartilage and bone from the damaged or painful joints. This ensures that the bones will fuse directly together.
- Bone Alignment: The bones are then carefully aligned in the correct position. This is important for the proper function and stability of the foot.
- Fixation: The aligned bones are held in place using plates or screws. These metal devices remain inside the body permanently to maintain the bones' position while they fuse together. The reference states these screws and plates stay in long term.
- Bone Growth: Over time, the body's natural healing process causes the bones to grow together, forming a single, solid bone unit. This process is known as fusion or arthrodesis.
Why Choose Foot Fusion?
Foot fusion is a good option when other treatments fail to reduce pain and improve mobility. Here are some common reasons why it's performed:
- Severe Arthritis: When arthritis causes significant pain and damage to the joints, fusion can alleviate the discomfort by eliminating the movement at the joint.
- Deformities: Foot deformities that cause pain, like severe bunions or hammertoe, can be addressed through fusion to realign the bones.
- Joint Instability: Fusion can correct unstable joints and restore foot stability.
- Trauma: If a severe injury damages a foot joint, fusion may be needed to stabilize the bones and encourage healing.
What to Expect After Foot Fusion
Following foot fusion surgery, a period of recovery is necessary. This may include:
- Immobilization: Initially, the foot will be placed in a cast or boot to keep the bones still during the fusion process.
- Physical Therapy: As the fusion heals, physical therapy is usually necessary to regain strength, movement, and mobility.
- Pain Management: Pain medication will be provided to manage post-operative pain.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Some adjustments to activities may be necessary to avoid excessive stress on the fused foot.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Joint Removal | Painful, damaged joints are removed |
| 2. Alignment | Bones are positioned into the correct alignment |
| 3. Fixation | Screws or plates are used to keep bones in position |
| 4. Bone Fusion | Bones naturally fuse together over time. |
By removing the diseased or painful joint and then securing the bones with screws or plates that remain long term, the foot becomes a solid, pain-free unit.
