Chronic joint pain can be debilitating and have a significant impact on the life of a patient. Constant pain, whether due to joint deformities or arthritis, can disrupt your daily life and limit your mobility. When non-surgical treatment options such as injections, physical therapy and medications are no longer effective, arthrodesis surgery can provide long-term relief. It can also help improve a patient’s overall quality of life. The purpose of this surgical procedure is to permanently fuse the bones in the affected joint, thereby eliminating painful movement. This blog will explain how Arthrodesis works, why it is needed, and what it can do to relieve chronic joint pain.

What is Arthrodesis Surgery?

This is often done in joints where the cartilage has worn away or become damaged due to conditions like strong data-end=”1084″ data-start=”1071″>arthritis/strong>, strong data-end=”1111″ and start=”1086″>degenerative diseases/strong>, or if trauma occurred. It is usually done to joints that have cartilage damage or wear due to conditions such as arthritis or degenerative disease. The joint is stabilized and does not move anymore after the bones are fused. This prevents painful movements that occur when cartilage has been damaged or removed.

Arthrodesis can be performed in weight-bearing joint areas such as the foot, wrist, spine, and finger where chronic pain and joint instability are prominent. Metal implants (such a screws and plates), or bone grafts can be used to fix the bones and promote fusion.

Arthrodesis Surgery for Chronic Joint Pain

1. Eliminates Painful Joint Movement

The primary cause of chronic pain in joints is the movement of bones inside a joint where there is no cartilage cushioning them. The cartilage between the bones that cushions them degenerates in joints with conditions such as osteoarthritis. This results in bone-onbone contact. This constant friction causes severe pain, stiffness and swelling.

By fusing together the bones, arthrodesis surgery eliminates painful movements. The friction that causes the pain is eliminated when the joint does not move. This reduces the discomfort for the patient. The bones will grow together and form a solid unit, which can reduce pain and restore function over time.

2. Restores Stability of the Joint

In many cases, chronic joint pain is caused by instability of the joint, particularly after an injury or arthritis. Joint instability can increase pain and make it hard to do basic tasks. In the case of an unsteady ankle, for example, you may experience constant pain when walking or standing.

Arthrodesis surgery stabilizes the joint by fusing together the bones. This prevents further movement, which could cause more pain. This is particularly beneficial for joints that bear weight, such as the ankle. Instability can seriously affect mobility. The fusion stabilizes and makes the joint functional. This allows patients to resume their activities with less discomfort and more confidence.

3. Improved function in weight-bearing joints

Patients with chronic pain in joints that bear weight, such as the spine or hip, may find it difficult to stand or walk. Arthrodesis provides relief from pain caused by joint instability and bone on bone contact. The joint may no longer move freely but the pain will be reduced and the stability of the joint will allow patients to move more comfortably.

The range of motion will be limited, but the ability to carry out daily activities pain-free and without instability is greatly improved. After ankle arthroplasty a patient may be able walk without pain again, even if they don’t have their full range of ankle motion.

4. Reduced dependence on medication and long-term pain relief

Arthrodesis surgery provides long-term relief of chronic joint pain. Once the joints are fused, there will be no painful movement in the joint. This provides long-lasting relief. Many patients discover that, over time, they don’t need to take pain medications or other treatments they have relied upon for years.

Arthrodesis is a permanent solution to pain that reduces the need for other pain management methods such as drugs, injections, physical therapy and physical therapy. It can also improve patients’ health, since they don’t have to worry about the side effects that come with long-term use of medication.

5. Quality of Life

Joint pain that is chronic can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. Walking, standing or lifting heavy objects can be painful. This leads to frustration, reduced mobility and social isolation. Arthrodesis patients often report a marked improvement in quality of life. Patients can resume their normal activities by eliminating the pain and stabilizing the joints.

After Arthrodesis a patient with severe ankle arthritis who was previously unable to walk on their own may find they are able to walk more comfortably and without the pain. The increased mobility and functional ability can bring back a feeling of normalcy.

When is Arthrodesis Surgery recommended?

When conservative treatment such as medication, physical therapy or injections has failed to relieve the pain, arthrodesis surgery may be considered. Patients with:

Severe Arthritis :- Particularly occurs in weight-bearing joint, where cartilage degradation leads to bone-onbone contact.
Joint Instability :- A joint becomes unstable or painful due to trauma.
Joint deformities :- Caused by conditions like rheumatoid or congenital disorders that cause pain and misalignment.
Non-surgical treatments that failed :- If medications and other treatments fail to provide lasting relief then surgery is the best option.

Doctors will assess a patient’s medical history and condition before recommending Arthrodesis. This is to ensure that the procedure is suitable. Before undergoing surgery, it is important that the patient understands the risks, benefits and long-term effects of the procedure.

Benefits of Arthrodesis surgery for chronic joint pain relief

Pain Relieving :- Arthrodesis has the primary benefit of reducing or eliminating chronic joint pain.
Joint stability :- The fusion of the bones stabilizes the joints, preventing further injury and discomfort due to instability.
Restored Function :- Patients are able to resume their daily activities, free from pain and instabilities.
Long Term Solution :- Arthrodesis is a permanent treatment for chronic joint pain. It offers an alternative to temporary treatments such as medications and injections.
Reduced Dependence on Medication :- After surgery, patients often no longer need pain medication, which leads to fewer adverse effects and an improved health outcome.

Risks and considerations

Arthrodesis surgery is generally considered safe but it can carry certain risks.

Infection :- As with any surgical procedure, there is the risk of infection.
Non Union :- The bones can fail to fuse, which may require further treatment.
Nerve Injury :- A nerve injury can result in numbness or tingling.
Limited Range of Motion :- The joint is no longer able to move and the range of movement may be reduced.

Before undergoing any surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possible risks. This will help you decide if the procedure is right for you.

Conclusion

Arthrodesis is an effective treatment for chronic joint pain. This is especially true when other treatments fail. The procedure restores stability to the joint and improves functionality by fusing bones within the joint. The surgery has some risks, but the benefits, such as reduced pain, increased mobility and a better quality of living, often outweigh them. Consult an orthopedic specialist if you suffer from chronic joint pain to determine if Arthrodesis is right for you.