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Foot arthrodese

Foot Arthrodese

Osteoarthritis can occur at different locations in the small foot joints. It is found in the joint of the big toe, between the first metatarsal and first phalanx, and in severe form called hallux rigidus. The toe is stiff and painful and can even distort. If symptoms do not improve with any shoe modification, surgery may offer relief, which typically will a fixation of the joint. The advantage is that the pain relieves, but the disadvantage is that the mobility of the joint is permanently removed.

Treatment foot arthrodese

Arthrodesis for the treatment of your foot is as follows: 

  • The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to (anesthesia) or spinal puncture.
  • The joint will be opened and cartilage is removed; the joint will be fixed in the correct position and fastened together, usually with screws with or without a connection plate
  • The wound is applied with a drain for excess of blood and/or fluid disposal, local anesthesia and closed with stitches
  • After 14 days the wound is inspected and stitches removed
  • The choice of arthrodesis of the foot will be discussed with you and depends for the location of the arthritis.
  • The operation affects the after-treatment method.
  • Your surgeon will discuss with you the treatment that you will apply.

We use the latest techniques to minimize tissue damage so that recovery is progressing at a fast pace after surgery.

Preperation

How to prepare for your operation

First you visit the doctor's assistant or anesthesiologist. She will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after the treatment and the various forms of anesthesia and pain management, both during and after surgery. More information about anesthesia, you can read here . 

  • The day of surgery is scheduled. You can return home on the on the same day of surgery. 
  • You should borrow crutches as you will need them to walk for a few days following your surgery.  For more information: www.thuiszorgwinkel.nl
  • After the surgery it may be needed to use crutches for a certain period. Contact your physical therapist for advice.

The day of surgery

You should bring your personal items such as medicines and crutches. You wear comfortable clothing and shoes and leave valuables at home as much as possible. 

  • You appear sober at the clinic.
  • You will be admitted and taken to a pre-operative holding area where you are prepared for surgery. 
  • After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored. 
  • The physical therapist will explain how you can exercise at home

When you are restored sufficiently, the anesthesiologist will agree with your dismissal. You may not drive home by yourself. Be sure to have someone with you to drive you home.

Recovery

  • In an arthrodesis of the foot takes two weeks with a plaster cast without any load,  and using crutches. Then 6 weeks of recovery with in plaster and load.
  • An x-ray will be leading whether the newly grown bone is strong enough to stop the cast treatment.
  • The stitches are removed after about 14 days.
  • You can drive if your foot feels strong and stable enough. The period during which work can be resumed depends on the type of work you do. 

Complications

While complications are not common, all surgery has associated risk.  Complications may be related to anesthesia, click here.

  • Bleeding from the wounds
  • The wounds remain sensitive sometimes
  • There may be a thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurs
  • Infection 
  • Damage to the structures, such as nerves or blood vessels.
  • Solid Growth in a sub-optimal position
  • Not fixation by means of bone growth

Expectations


You can expect the pain will disappear, but also that the mobility of the joint is removed. However, most of the patients are satisfied after an arthrodesis of the foot. Your surgeon will discuss with you what you can expect from the surgery.

Frequent asked questions (FAQ) 

How long does the surgery?
The surgery takes about 45-60 minutes.

Is plaster cast needed after arthrodesis?
Yes, it is necessary for the bone pieces in the joint grow properly to each other.

Is surgery always necessary or is an insole / shoe alignment sufficient?
A shoe adjustment is the first choice of treatment. Only when non-surgical treatments are not sufficient, surgery is chosen.

Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium.

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