Arthrodesis, commonly referred to as “joint fusion,” is a surgical procedure in which two bones in a joint are intentionally fused together. This procedure is performed to eliminate movement at the joint and relieve pain caused by joint degeneration, injury, or instability. Arthrodesis is often considered when other conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
The goal of arthrodesis is to create a solid union between the two bones, allowing them to grow together.
This eliminates the pain that occurs due to bone-on-bone contact and the damaged joint surfaces.
Here are the common benefits of Arthrodesis:
- Pain Relief: Arthrodesis eliminates joint movement, which can alleviate pain caused by joint degeneration.
- Improved Joint Stability: The fused joint becomes more stable, making activities that were difficult more comfortable.
- Correction of Deformities: Arthrodesis can help correct joint deformities.
- Durability: Once the bones are fused together, the resulting joint stability is long lasting.
Limitations of Arthrodesis:
- Loss of Joint Motion: The most significant limitation of arthrodesis is the loss of joint motion, which can affect the ability to perform certain activities.
- Stress on Adjacent Joints: Fusing one joint may place additional stress on adjacent joints, potentially leading to increased wear and tear on the joints.
