Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses together the ends of two bones across a joint with screw fixation and sometimes bone grafting. Also referred to as joint fusion because the goal of this surgery is for the two bones of a joint to fuse together.
Arthrodesis eliminates joint movement to relieve pain that’s not otherwise eased via pain medication, anti inflammatory drugs, splint, physical therapy, warm compresses or other forms of treatment. Eliminating a joint’s movement also helps to restore stability and improve alignment.
Arthrodesis surgery is typically performed to treat certain types of fractures and arthritis related health conditions. This surgical procedure is usually performed on spine, ankle, foot and wrist joints.
Some of the specific health conditions for which arthrodesis surgery that eliminates joint movement may be performed include:
- bunion
- clubfoot
- osteoarthritis
- osteosarcoma
- psoriatic arthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- spinal condition ~ spinal stenosis, herniated disc, injury, infection, tumor, spondylolisthesis
Some of the risks involved with having arthrodesis surgery include pain at the site of eliminated joint movement, nerve damage, infection and blood clots that can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Arthrodesis is an alternative to joint replacement or by eliminating joint movement to delay the inevitability of replacing a joint.
