What is bone fusion surgery? It is when the ends of two bones are roughened and brought together by screws, metal plate or bone to grow into one. This surgery is a pain relief technique frequently done to treat arthritis, like in a foot, ankle, wrist or spine.
As a bone fusion heals, your body responds as if a fracture needs mending. The process of repair is highly complex and initially entails generating weakly woven bone to fill the gap, followed by replacement of stronger bone. This process of bone fusion healing takes time and strict recovery instruction must be followed to promote union.
Sometimes, the two bones the surgery attempts to fuse do not. In some cases, the union is not made because your body fails to do what’s expected. Other cases, motion or weight bearing too soon interferes with the fusion of two bones. So for a period of time post surgery it is essential the fusion location be kept immobile and bear no weight.
Eventually, a gradual increase in weight is necessary to stimulate the process of permanent bone production. How much and when should come from your health care provider and not because you happen to feel better.
