Introduction
The surgical fusion, or joining together, of joints is a long established surgical procedure. It is very effective at eliminating persistent pain by immobilising the painful, worn down joints and creating a single joint structure. Fusion is highly durable and suitable for younger patients who wish to remain active. There is however some loss of mobility, and therefore arthrodesis surgery is only considered for patients who have tried (or would not benefit from) more conservative treatments.
Different types of arthrodesis surgery
Fusion is a surgical technique which can be used for most joints in the foot and ankle where there is severe degeneration, usually due to arthritis or trauma. The operations most commonly undertaken are:
Specialists at the London Foot and Ankle Centre are highly experienced in foot and ankle fusion (surgical arthrodesis).
