Joint fusion surgery involves fusing two or more bones to grow into one larger bone. Doctors may recommend it for people with severe joint pain or instability.

Severe joint pain can occur due to conditions such as osteoarthritis. Joint fusion surgery involves combining bones to form one solid bone. It can help ease pain and make the joint more stable.

The effects of joint fusion surgery are usually permanent. However, it can greatly improve a person’s quality of life, especially when other treatments have been ineffective at treating joint issues.

This article discusses what joint fusion surgery is, who needs it, what happens during the procedure, recovery, risks, and coping after surgery.

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Joint fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, involves surgically removing the cartilage between two bones in a joint. Surgeons then connect the bones using metal plates, screws, or rods. The two bones eventually heal and grow into one another, joining to become one bone.

This procedure eliminates joint movement, which can benefit people with severe pain and joint instability due to conditions such as arthritis.

The procedure is suitable for any joint in the body, including the:

  • spine
  • ankles
  • feet
  • wrists
  • fingers
  • thumbs

Doctors usually recommend joint fusion surgery for individuals experiencing debilitating pain and loss of function in their joints that are unmanageable through treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or joint injections.

Some conditions that doctors may recommend joint fusion surgery for include:

However, joint fusion surgery may not be appropriate for everyone. It is not suitable for those who:

  • have had adequate relief from less invasive treatments
  • need to maintain a high degree of joint mobility for activities requiring significant movement, such as sports or climbing stairs
  • have certain medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risk

The exact procedure depends on the joint undergoing treatment, the underlying cause, and the person’s overall health.

Joint fusion surgery typically involves the following:

  1. General anesthesia: After preparing for the surgery, an anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to ensure the person is unconscious and does not feel any pain during the operation.
  2. Incision: The surgeon will make an incision over the affected joint to access the bones.
  3. Cartilage removal: The surgeon removes the cartilage damage from the joint surfaces.
  4. Bone preparation: The surgeon prepares the surfaces of the bones to encourage fusion, sometimes using bone grafts.
  5. Fixation: Surgeons will affix the bones using metal implants such as screws, plates, or rods.
  6. Closure: The surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples and may apply a cast or splint to immobilize the joint.

After surgery, the person will move to a recovery unit in the hospital.

Recovery from joint fusion surgery varies depending on the specific joint involved and the individual. Some aspects of recovery include the following.

Healing time

Joint fusion surgery can take several months to heal.

Full recovery can take 4 to 9 months, depending on the severity of a person’s condition and the procedure itself.

Pain management

Doctors prescribe medications to help manage pain and discomfort. These can include over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications as necessary.

Mobility and rehabilitation

Depending on the type of surgery, people may need mobility aids, which can include walking canes or crutches.

Physical therapy often begins once initial healing is underway to maintain muscle strength and flexibility in surrounding areas.

Return to everyday activities

Doctors usually advise people to avoid heavy lifting or high impact activities for several months. They may encourage a gradual return to daily activities.

The time it takes to return to a person’s full daily activities can depend on how the joint is healing. Usually, it may take 3 to 4 months to resume daily activities. During this time, a person may need to use mobility aids.

As with any surgical procedure, joint fusion carries potential risks. As such, it is vital for individuals to talk with their doctor and consider the advantages and drawbacks.

Some risks of joint fusion surgery, or surgery in general, can include:

  • Infection: Postsurgical infections can occur, and a person may require antibiotics to treat them.
  • Bleeding or blood clots: Blood clotting is an important process that can prevent excessive bleeding after surgery. However, blood clots can sometimes restrict blood flow and cause complications.
  • Nerve damage: Nerve damage can cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. It may require medication, physical therapy, or further surgery.
  • Complications with anesthesia: General anesthesia is usually very safe. However, there is still a risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, chills, or confusion for a few days postsurgery.
  • Nonunion: In some cases, the bones may not fuse, requiring further intervention and additional surgery.
  • Hardware complications: The metal implants that fixate the bones can cause irritation or may need removal.
  • Loss of mobility: While providing pain relief, the permanent loss of joint movement can affect certain activities and overall mobility. This can lead to a risk of arthritis in those other joints, as they have to bear more stress than before the surgery.

Adapting to life after joint fusion surgery involves both physical and emotional adjustments.

Health experts advise people to:

  • Follow medical advice: A person needs to adhere to postoperative care instructions, attend all follow-up appointments, and participate in recommended physical therapy.
  • Take pain management: Individuals need to use medications that a doctor prescribes and explore pain management techniques such as relaxation exercises.
  • Seek support: People need to engage with support groups or counseling to cope with the emotional aspects of recovery and lifestyle changes.

In this section, we answer some frequently asked questions about joint fusion surgery.

What is the disadvantage of joint fusion?

The primary disadvantage is the loss of joint mobility. Once surgeons fuse the joint, it will no longer bend, which can affect a person’s ability to perform certain activities and overall functionality. This is a significant consideration, especially for joints that are crucial for movement, such as the ankle or wrist.

What is the recovery time for a joint fusion?

While recovery time varies from person to person, full recovery can take 4 to 9 months, although it can sometimes take longer.

Why would you fuse a joint?

Doctors perform joint fusion to relieve chronic pain, stabilize the joint, and improve function in cases where other treatments have been ineffective. It is particularly useful for severe arthritis, instability, and development issues or abnormalities.

Is joint fusion painful?

Surgery can be painful, and people can expect to feel some level of discomfort, although this is manageable.

Most people find that chronic pain that occurs before surgery reduces significantly after recovery.

Joint fusion surgery is a valuable option for individuals with severe joint pain and joint instability. This treatment may be necessary when other treatments have been ineffective at managing joint problems. Understanding the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks is crucial for making an informed decision.

While joint fusion surgery results in the permanent loss of joint movement, the significant pain relief and improvement in quality of life often outweigh this drawback for many people.

With proper care and support, individuals can effectively navigate the recovery process and return to their daily activities.