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Foot fusion surgery

What is foot fusion surgery?

The aim of foot fusion surgery is the permanent fusion of separate bones in the foot. This procedure is used to treat flat feetarthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, and fractures that haven’t healed of their own accord, or that are caused by wear-and-tear of cartilage and bones over time.

When midfoot fusion is carried out, it can involve one or two bones being joined together, or all the midfoot joints that comprise the foot’s arch. The midfoot’s bones are stiff by their nature, functioning to strengthen and support the foot. Therefore, when they are fused, it doesn’t usually affect movement adversely.

Hindfoot fusion can necessitate the permanent fixation of the Chopart joint, comprised of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints, to address hindfoot arthritis. These two joints form an ‘S’- shaped joint that transverses the foot, separating the hindfoot from the midfoot and forefoot. This joint doesn’t usually move so permanent fusion doesn’t impact movement.

What does foot fusion surgery involve?

An overnight stay in hospital is normally necessary and surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic. A post-operative local anaesthetic is administered in the foot to minimise pain.

The surgery may involve the removal of the damaged joint and the permanent stiffening of the bones via plates fixed by screws to facilitate bone fusion as healing occurs. The outcome should be less pain and greater joint stability. It may be necessary for a bone graft to be performed utilising bone from a different part of your body, or donor bone, to promote correct healing of the bones.

Foot fusion surgery

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