Joint Fusion
You may need joint fusion surgery (arthrodesis) if you have severe arthritis pain. The procedure welds or fuses the two bones together that form part of the aching joint. This will result in the bone getting fused together to become a single solid bone. This can help lessen the pain. This can stabilize the joint and help you place more weight on it.
Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and also serving greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Mesquite, NV, and surrounding locations.
Good Candidates for Joint Fusion Surgery
Arthritis is capable of causing severe damage to the joints. Joint fusion surgery can be considered if other treatments have not helped. The surgery can help relieve symptoms of scoliosis, degenerative disk disease and other back problems. Joint fusion surgery can be performed on the:
- Spine
- Ankles
- Fingers
- Wrists
- Feet
- Thumbs
It may take a long time to heal from joint fusion surgery. This is why your doctor would ask you whether you can cope with a long recovery or not. You may not be a suitable candidate if you have other health issues, such as:
- Infection
- Poor bone quality
- Narrowed arteries
- Neurological problem that keeps your body from healing
Joint Fusion Surgery Process
Depending on the type of joint fusion surgery performed, you can either have it as an outpatient surgery or in the hospital. Your doctor may choose to provide you with general anesthesia. If you want, the surgery can be performed with local anesthesia as well.
An incision will be made by the surgeon at the surgery site once you are under the effect of anesthesia. They will scrape away damaged tissue or cartilage from the joint. This will allow the bones to fuse together. In some cases, the surgeon may place a small fragment of bone between the ends of the joint.
This bone piece may be taken from the pelvic bone, below the knee, or the heel. The bone may also come from a bone bank that stores donated bones. Your doctor may choose to make use of a manmade substance instead of an actual bone. Space within the joint may be closed using screws, metal plates, or wires.
The hardware used is usually permanent and will stay even when the joint heals completely. The surgeon will close the incisions using staples or sutures once they are finished.
Results and Recovery
You would need to wear a brace or cast for a few days after the joint fusion surgery. You may need to use a wheelchair, walker, or crutches as well. Healing can take anywhere from 12 – 14 weeks. You would need help to get through your daily chores and household tasks. You should expect to lose some range of motion.
You may feel stiffness in the joint as well. Physical therapy may allow you to keep all other joints in working shape. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and also serving greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Mesquite, NV, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada