A fuse joint refers to a surgical procedure where the bones that form a joint are permanently joined together.
Based on the provided information, this procedure effectively fuses, or “welds,” together the two bones that make up your aching joint. The goal is to make these two bones become one solid bone. This process is medically known as arthrodesis.
This surgical technique is typically performed to treat severe joint pain caused by conditions like arthritis or injury, particularly when other treatments have failed. By eliminating movement at the joint, the source of pain is often removed.
Creating a fuse joint can lead to several outcomes for the affected area:
- It can lessen your pain.
- It can make your joint more stable.
- It can help you bear more weight on it.
While fusion eliminates motion at the joint, it provides a stable, pain-free platform, allowing individuals to perform activities that were previously limited by pain or instability. The specific joint involved (e.g., ankle, wrist, spine) determines the precise technique and recovery process.