Do you also have unbearable joint pain? Maybe it's in your ankle, back, or finger. Even after taking medication and undergoing physical therapy, this pain doesn't go away? Has it become so bothersome that you can't even do your daily tasks properly? If so, your doctor may have talked to you about "joint replacement surgery." In medicine, we call this arthrodesis . Hearing this name may sound a little scary. But what is it really? Who needs it? Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.
What exactly is arthrodesis (joint fusion)?
Simply put, arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two bones in a joint, making them one. This is also called joint fusion.
Imagine, a joint in our body is a place where two bones meet. It is because of these joints that we can walk, run, bend our limbs, and work. But for some reason, when this joint wears out and gets damaged, it causes severe pain. Arthrodesis surgery completely stops the movement of that painful, damaged joint. When the two bones become one, they no longer touch each other, and therefore the pain disappears.
This surgery can be performed on various joints in the body.
- Ankles
- Feet
- Spine
- Sacroiliac joints
- Wrists
- Fingers and thumbs
In what cases is this surgery necessary?
The main reason for arthrodesis surgery is often severe arthritis . When the cartilage (the smooth lining between the bones) in the joints wears away due to arthritis, the bones start rubbing against each other. This causes unbearable pain.
Doctors recommend this surgery for those who have not been able to find relief from other treatments, such as painkillers and physical therapy.
In addition to arthritis, this surgery may be necessary for several other reasons.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe fractures | When a fracture occurs, which is a severe damage to the bones in a joint. |
| Other joint-related diseases | Specific conditions such as herniated discs or spondylolisthesis. |
| Damage to other tissues | When a damaged joint causes damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons, or nerves. |
What happens before the surgery?
Before surgery, you will need to meet with your doctor and surgeon. They will ask about your symptoms and how the pain is affecting your daily life.
At this time , don't underestimate your pain and the suffering you are going through. Telling the doctor the truth is very important to choose the treatment that best suits you.
When preparing for surgery, you usually need to do the following:
- A complete physical examination to see if you are healthy enough to withstand surgery.
- Several blood tests .
- An X-ray examination . Sometimes an MRI or CT scan may also be ordered.
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other diseases, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines). Some medications may require you to stop taking them a few days before surgery. Your doctor will also advise you on when to stop eating and drinking starting the day before surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
On the day of the surgery, you will be given anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain. You may be given general anesthesia, which puts you completely asleep. Or you may be given regional anesthesia, which numbs only the area around the joint being operated on.
In simple terms, what happens during the surgery is as follows:
1. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin around the joint.
2. The damaged cartilage and bone fragments inside are removed.
3. Then, the two bones to be grafted are placed together and secured with pins, wires, plates, or screws.
4. Once these fixation devices are properly positioned, the skin incision is sutured closed again.
As you heal, these two bones fuse together, becoming one strong bone. This eliminates pain and makes the joint stronger and more stable.
What are the benefits and risks of arthrodesis surgery?
As with any surgery, there are benefits as well as some risks. It is important to be aware of these beforehand.
| Advantages | Risks / Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Pain relief: Pain is almost completely gone after surgery. | Infections: There is a small risk of infection of the surgical wound. |
| Stability: The damaged joint becomes stronger and more stable. | Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur during or after surgery. |
| Improved quality of life: Because there is no pain, normal activities, exercise, and even sports can be resumed. | Nonunion: Very rarely, the two grafted bones may not fit together properly. |
| Permanent solution: For many, this is a permanent solution that lasts a lifetime. | Reduced range of motion: Because the joint is permanently implanted, the movement (bending, extending) of that part is permanently lost. |
How long does it take to heal?
This really depends on the joint that was operated on. Back surgery takes longer to heal than a finger transplant. It can usually take anywhere from a few months to a year. Your doctor will give you a specific timeframe based on your condition.
Remember, recovery time varies from person to person and depending on the joint that was operated on, so don't compare yourself to others.
Is there any pain after the surgery?
During the surgery, you will not feel any pain due to the anesthesia. However, it is normal to feel some pain after the surgery, especially in the first few weeks. To control this pain, you should use the painkillers your doctor prescribes exactly.
What are the symptoms that require you to call your doctor immediately?
If you have any of these symptoms when you get home after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately .
- A fever of more than 39 Celsius (101 Fahrenheit).
- Excessive bleeding from the surgical wound.
- Signs of wound infection (wound swelling, redness, foul odor, warmth, or pus).
- If the pain is getting worse.
In such a situation, it is also important to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Arthrodesis is a highly successful surgical procedure used for severe joint pain when other treatments have failed.
- This permanently stops the movement of the joint that is causing the pain, eliminating the pain and stabilizing the joint.
- Although it takes some time to fully recover after surgery, the results for many people last a lifetime.
- Before undergoing surgery, discuss all the pros and cons with your doctor and make the decision that is best for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
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