Joint fusion (Arthrodesis)
Joint fusion (Arthrodesis)
Arthrodesis, also known as artificial ankylosis or syndesis, is the artificial induction of joint ossification between two bones via surgery. This is done to relieve intractable pain in a joint which cannot be managed by pain medication, splints, or other normally-indicated treatments. The typical causes of such pain are fractures which disrupt the joint, and arthritis. It is most commonly performed on joints in the spine, hand, ankle, and foot. Historically, knee and hip arthrodeses were also performed as pain relieving procedures, however with the great successes achieved in hip and knee arthroplasty, arthrodesis of these large joints has fallen out of favour as a primary procedure, and now are only used as procedures of last-resort in some failed arthroplasties.
Source: Wikipedia - a short definition of Joint fusion (Arthrodesis) surgery ...
What Is Arthrodesis?
Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure, also known as joint fusion. The goal of arthrodesis is to provide pain relief, restore skeletal stability, and improve alignment in people with advanced arthritis.Not all arthritic joints are candidates for joint replacement replacement surgery. Sometimes arthrodesis is the better surgical treatment option for those with arthritis. Arthrodesis is mostly performed on ankles and wrists but it can be performed on other joints. Arthrodesis may still be the better consideration for:
The ends of two bones are fused together in arthrodesis with screw fixation and possible bone grafting. The bones are aligned in the most functional position, but lose their natural motion. The procedure does eliminate motion in the joint.
Source: About.com - Health's Disease and Condition content experts explains joint fusion surgeries ...
Definition of Arthrodesis
The term "arthrodesis" describes the surgical fusion of a joint so that it is no longer capable of movement. Basically, the arthrodesis procedure is an artificially induced fusion of bones across a joint (ankylosis) performed to relieve pain or provide support in a diseased (such as in osteoarthritis) or injured joint.
Arthrodesis has been used to create fusions that ultimately relieve pain and provide stability in the ankle, wrist, knee, shoulder, hip, spine, and other joints. By the time afflicted individuals present for surgery, they usually have little motion left in their arthritic joints and have adapted to living without the motion. Most of them are, therefore, grateful for the pain relief. As artificial joint replacements and implants improve, fewer arthrodesis procedures and more joint replacements are performed.
Source: MDGuidelines.com - covers all aspects of Arthrodesis ...
Joint Fusion Surgery (Arthrodesis) to Treat Arthritis
Bone or joint fusion surgery, called arthrodesis, is performed to relieve pain in the hips, ankles, wrists, fingers, thumbs, or spine.
In arthrodesis, two bones on each end of a joint are fused, eliminating the joint itself.
Who Qualifies for Arthrodesis?
Arthrodesis is used in patients whose joints have eroded or have been destroyed by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other forms of arthritis.
Joint fusion of the spine is used as a treatment for severe pain caused by a variety of back problems such as a herniated disc or a tumor.
Source: WebMD - Osteoarthritis Guide explaining Joint Fusion Surgery (Arthrodesis) ...
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