Our Summary

This research paper discusses a specific method of treating severe foot problems affecting the joint of the big toe. This method is known as primary arthrodesis, and it involves fusing the bones in the joint together. The researchers used a straightforward and affordable technique that involves inserting a pin into the bone and securing it with wires. They tested their approach on 60 patients who underwent a total of 64 procedures. After following up for an average of 27 months, they found that the treatment was successful in about 90% of the cases. Even though a large pin was used and it crossed into the joint of the toe, only a small number of cases experienced degeneration of the toe joint, and even fewer had symptoms that required further treatment. The findings suggest that this technique is a good alternative to traditional approaches and has a low risk of causing additional health issues post-surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is primary arthrodesis and how is it used to treat severe foot problems?
  2. What was the success rate of the primary arthrodesis technique tested on 60 patients in this research?
  3. What are the potential post-surgery health issues associated with the primary arthrodesis technique?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing joint fusion to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the affected area elevated and avoiding putting weight on it as much as possible. They may also recommend physical therapy to help improve strength and range of motion in the joint after it has healed. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to maintain a healthy weight and engage in low-impact activities to reduce stress on the fused joint and prevent potential complications in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended joint fusion are those who have severe foot problems affecting the joint of the big toe, such as arthritis, deformities, or injuries that have not responded to other treatments. These patients may experience chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes. Joint fusion may be recommended when conservative treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, orthotics, or injections, have not provided relief or when the damage to the joint is too severe for other surgical procedures, such as joint replacement. Additionally, patients who have a high risk of complications from other surgical procedures, such as those with diabetes or poor circulation, may also be recommended joint fusion as a safer alternative.

Timeline

Before joint fusion:

  1. Patient experiences severe foot problems affecting the joint of the big toe.
  2. Patient undergoes evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
  3. Decision is made to proceed with primary arthrodesis, involving fusing the bones in the joint together.
  4. Surgical procedure is scheduled and patient undergoes the fusion surgery.

After joint fusion:

  1. Patient undergoes post-operative care and rehabilitation to aid in the healing process.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area.
  3. Follow-up appointments with healthcare provider to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
  4. Over time, patient may experience improved function and decreased pain in the affected joint.
  5. Long-term follow-up to assess the success of the fusion surgery and address any potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with joint fusion surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after joint fusion surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the procedure?
  4. What are the success rates of joint fusion surgery for my specific condition?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to joint fusion that I should consider?
  6. How long can I expect the results of the joint fusion surgery to last?
  7. Will I experience any limitations in movement or activity after the surgery?
  8. What is the expected timeline for returning to normal daily activities after joint fusion surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  10. How many joint fusion surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Karlock LG, Berry L, Craft ST, Petrozzi R, Grahn AG, Casteel ML. Journal: J Foot Ankle Surg. 2017 Nov-Dec;56(6):1139-1142. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2017.05.012. PMID: 29079230