What is Arthrodesis - wrist-ankle subtalar?

 

Arthrodesis refers to a surgical procedure that involves the fusion of bones in a joint, resulting in the elimination of joint movement. This procedure is performed to alleviate pain, provide stability, and correct deformities in joints that are severely damaged by arthritis, injury, or other conditions. Here's a breakdown of the terms related to arthrodesis for the wrist, ankle, and subtalar joint:

Arthrodesis:

  1. Wrist Arthrodesis:
  • Definition: Wrist arthrodesis, also known as wrist fusion, involves the surgical fusion of the bones in the wrist joint. This procedure is typically performed to relieve severe pain and stabilize the wrist in cases of advanced arthritis, severe fractures, or other degenerative conditions.
  • Procedure: The cartilage between the bones of the wrist is removed, and the bones are then positioned and fixed together using plates, screws, or other hardware to promote bone fusion. Once fused, the wrist becomes a single solid bone, eliminating movement in the wrist joint.
  • Definition: Ankle arthrodesis, or ankle fusion, involves the surgical fusion of the tibia (shinbone) to the talus (ankle bone). This procedure is commonly performed to relieve pain and improve stability in patients with severe arthritis, deformities, or traumatic injuries to the ankle joint.
  • Procedure: Similar to wrist arthrodesis, the cartilage between the tibia and talus is removed, and the bones are fixed together using screws, plates, or rods. The goal is to create a single, solid bone structure, eliminating movement in the ankle joint while providing pain relief and stability.
  • Definition: Subtalar arthrodesis involves the fusion of the bones in the subtalar joint, which is located below the ankle joint between the talus and the calcaneus (heel bone). This procedure is often performed to treat severe arthritis, deformities, or instability in the subtalar joint.
  • Procedure: The cartilage between the talus and calcaneus is removed, and the bones are fused together using screws or other fixation devices. The fusion of the subtalar joint reduces pain and improves stability by eliminating movement in the joint.
  1. Ankle Arthrodesis:
  2. Subtalar Arthrodesis:

Indications for Arthrodesis:

  • Severe Arthritis: When arthritis severely damages a joint, causing pain and instability that are not manageable with other treatments.
  • Joint Deformities: To correct deformities that impair function and cause pain.
  • Traumatic Injuries: In cases of severe fractures or injuries that cannot be repaired with other surgical techniques.
  • Chronic Joint Instability: When a joint is unstable due to ligament damage or other conditions.

Advantages:

  • Pain Relief: Arthrodesis can provide significant pain relief by eliminating the movement in a damaged joint.
  • Stability: Fusing the joint can enhance stability, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the ankle.
  • Improved Function: While the range of motion is lost, the overall function of the limb can improve due to pain relief and stability.

Disadvantages:

  • Loss of Movement: The primary disadvantage is the permanent loss of movement in the fused joint, which can affect overall limb mobility and function.
  • Recovery Time: The recovery period can be lengthy, often requiring several months for complete bone fusion and rehabilitation.
  • Potential for Adjacent Joint Problems: Increased stress on adjacent joints may lead to arthritis or other issues in nearby joints over time.

Summary:

Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure to fuse bones in a joint, providing pain relief and stability by eliminating joint movement. It is commonly performed on the wrist, ankle, and subtalar joints in cases of severe arthritis, deformities, or traumatic injuries. While effective in relieving pain and improving stability, the procedure results in the permanent loss of joint movement and requires a significant recovery period.

Disclaimer:

Patients considering arthrodesis should consult with their orthopedic surgeon to discuss their specific condition, treatment options, potential benefits, and risks associated with the procedure. This summary provides general information and should not substitute personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

 

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