overview

What is Joint Fusion?

Joint fusion, also known as Arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure to permanently fuse or join two or more bones in a joint. The Joint Fusion procedure is used when other pain management strategies have failed to provide adequate relief or when the joint’s structure and stability are compromised. The primary goal of this procedure is to reduce pain by eliminating the joint’s movement, which is often the source of discomfort in various chronic conditions. While joint fusion reduces flexibility, it can significantly increase stability and alleviate pain in affected joints.

It is most commonly used in areas where smaller joints are affected by severe arthritis or where joint replacement might not be feasible or is less likely to be successful.

Where on the Body can It Be Used?

Joint fusion can be performed on various joints including the spine (spinal fusion), ankles, wrists, fingers, and toes

What are the Indications for Joint Fusion ?

Joint fusion is indicated for several conditions

• Severe Arthritis: Especially osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that has led to significant joint damage and pain that cannot be adequately managed with less invasive treatments.
• Chronic Pain Due to Joint Instability: In cases where the joint has become unstable due to ligament injuries or degeneration, fusion can provide the necessary stability to alleviate pain.
• Previous Joint Replacement Failure: If a joint replacement has failed or the individual is not a candidate for a replacement, fusion might be an alternative.
• Deformities and Injuries: Including those resulting from trauma or congenital defects that affect normal joint function and cause significant pain.

What are the Benefits of a Joint Fusion?

• Pain Relief: By eliminating the movement of a painful joint, fusion can significantly reduce or even eliminate pain.
• Increased Stability: Fusion makes the joint more stable, which can improve overall function, especially if the joint was previously unstable.
• Long-Term Solution: Offers a permanent solution to joint problems, in contrast to other treatments that may provide only temporary relief.

How does Intrathecal Joint Fusions work with other Treatments?

Joint Fusions are often one component of a comprehensive osteoarthritis treatment plan, which can include:

• Physical Therapy: Before and after a joint fusion, physical therapy plays a crucial role:
  • Pre-operative Physical Therapy: This can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve range of motion in adjacent joints, and prepare the body for post-surgery changes in mechanics.
  • Post-operative Rehabilitation: After fusion, therapy focuses on maximizing the function of adjacent joints and muscles, adapting to changes in limb length or alignment, and learning new movement patterns to compensate for the loss of motion at the fused joint.
• Oral Medications: Post fusion, overall medications should ideally decrease as the source of the joint pain is mechanically eliminated by the fusion.
• Behavioral Therapy: Reduced pain can make behavioral and psychological therapies more effective.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, exercise, and movement adjustments may be easier.