Treatment of arthrodesis in Dnipro
Arthrodesis is a type of surgery in orthopedics to restore limb function and relieve pain. It is used for injuries and diseases of the joint, when it is necessary to immobilize the joint. As a result of arthrodesis, the joint remains in a fixed position, and the adjacent bones are fused. An orthopedic doctor uses internal metal structures or external fixators for fixation. It all depends on the type of surgery.
What are the indications for an arthrodesis surgery?
An arthrodesis surgery is prescribed by an orthopedic doctor only after a thorough examination and consultation. This is a last resort measure in the treatment of a joint whose function cannot be restored by other treatment methods, for example, an arthroplasty or a joint replacement.
Indications for a joint arthrodesis surgery include:
- various types of arthritis: rheumatoid, psoriatic, post-traumatic, infectious and other types,
- degenerative joint diseases with destruction of cartilage, such as osteoarthritis,
- diseases that lead to joint deformation, for example, scoliosis or the consequences of polio,
- abnormalities of joint development,
- joint tuberculosis,
- joint tumors,
- inflammatory diseases of bones and joints, such as osteomyelitis or bursitis,
- damage and trauma that lead to joint instability and chronic pain,
- improperly healed fractures,
- advanced stages of arthrosis, when movements in the joint are already severely limited,
- chronic dislocations with displacement.
How is a joint arthrodesis surgery performed?
The features of the surgery depend on a type of joint that is damaged and the degree of its damage:
- Intra-articular arthrodesis. This is the most common type of surgery, when the surgeon removes the cartilage and sometimes the synovium. In this case, a doctor fixes the bones that form the joint in a position that will help restore support and function of the limb. The surgeon uses implants or pins for fixation, which are removed after complete fusion. This type of surgery can be performed using a minimally invasive technique called arthroscopy.
- Extra-articular arthrodesis. A type of surgery without intervention in the joint itself. It is used for some inflammatory and infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. In this case, in order to immobilize the joint, a surgeon uses bone auto- or allografts, with the help of which he creates a kind of bone “bridge” outside the joint. Additionally, metal structures can be used. As a result of this surgery, the cartilage tissue ossifies gradually.
- Mixed arthrodesis. A variant of a surgery when a combination of intra-articular and extra-articular interventions is used. It is used in complex cases of damage to large joints, for example, a hip or a shoulder.
- Compression arthrodesis. A type of surgery when a surgeon immobilizes a joint by compression using external fixation devices, for example, the Ilizarov apparatus.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts up to 1 hour.
The required type of surgery is selected by an orthopedic surgeon individually during a consultation.
What is the period and the process of rehabilitation after an arthrodesis?
The features of the period and the process of rehabilitation depend on the following factors:
- a type of surgery,
- a type of joint,
- a patient’s condition after surgery,
- a general health of the patient.
After the surgery, a patient stays in a hospital for several days, where he receives all the necessary medications.
If a surgery was performed on the legs, then during the recovery period a patient needs to move on crutches so as not to rely on the operated limb.
A few days after the surgery, the patient is prescribed physical therapy, and after the cast is removed, the doctor selects a set of exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles and ligaments.
The full recovery period depends on a type of joint:
- ankle, knee, elbow, metatarsophalangeal – 3-4 months,
- hip – 8-12 months.
Also, depending on this, the surgeon prescribes a course of rehabilitation and the frequency of follow-up visits.
What are the advantages of performing a joint arthrodesis surgery at the N1 Clinic in Dnipro?
Carrying out surgery at N1 Clinic has a number of advantages:
- orthopedic doctors with over 20 years of experience in surgery, who make surgeries constantly,
- individual choice of a type of surgery and only if conservative treatment does not give a positive effect,
- experienced anesthesiologists who always answer all patients’ questions before a surgery,
- full medication and medical support, so no additional payments for medicines or a nurse are required,
- modern equipment for diagnostics, conservative and surgical treatment,
- comfortable accommodation in modern rooms and delicious 3 meals a day,
- primary rehabilitation immediately after the end of anesthesia,
- attention and care of all clinic staff.
Make an appointment with our orthopedic doctor to finally get rid of your pain. We will find a quick and effective solution to a problem that worries you.
