Joint fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, is a procedure that permanently fuses two bones together in a joint to provide stability and alleviate pain. It is most commonly performed on the ankle, wrist, and spine, but can also be done on other joints like the knee, shoulder, and hip.
The joint fusion surgery procedure involves the following steps:
Anaesthesia: The patient is given anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the joint to be fused, exposing the bones.
Removal of cartilage: Dr Singh removes the cartilage that covers the surface of the bones in the joint.
Bone preparation: Dr Singh prepares the surfaces of the bones by scraping them with a special tool to promote bone growth and fusion.
Bone graft: Dr Singh may place a bone graft between the bones to promote fusion. The bone graft may be taken from the patient’s own body or from a donor.
Fixation: Dr Singh uses metal plates, screws, or other fixation devices to hold the bones in the correct position while they fuse together.
Closing the incision: Once the bones are fused together, Dr Singh closes the incision with sutures or staples.
Potential surgical risks
Infection: There is a risk of infection with any surgery, which can cause delayed healing and may require antibiotics or further surgical intervention.
Blood clots: Blood clots may form in the legs after surgery, which can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs.
Nerve damage: Nerves around the joint can be damaged during surgery, leading to numbness or weakness.
Joint stiffness: Joint fusion surgery results in the permanent loss of motion in the fused joint.
Non-union: In some cases, the bones may not fuse together properly, leading to continued pain and the need for additional surgery.
Hardware failure: The metal plates or screws used to fixate the bones may break or loosen over time, requiring additional surgery.
Pain: Although joint fusion surgery is intended to relieve pain, there may be residual pain or discomfort following the procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of joint fusion surgery with Dr Singh before deciding if it is the right treatment option for you.
