Foot Fusion

Patients may have pain around the middle of the foot that is affecting their quality of life.

  • Persistent pain in the affected foot or ankle joints

  • Swelling and tenderness around the joint

  • Difficulty walking, especially on uneven surfaces

  • Limited motion or stiffness in the foot

The Symptoms

  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis)

  • Excessive joint motion or instability

  • Deformities such as severe bunions or flatfoot

  • Previous injuries or fractures that didn't heal properly

The Causes

  • Physical Examination: Assessment of pain, swelling, and joint stability

  • Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to evaluate the extent of joint damage

  • Medical History: Review of symptoms, previous injuries, and treatment history

The Diagnosis

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Foot Fusion Treatments

Ankle Fusion Surgery

  •  Open or arthroscopic removal of damaged cartilage

  •  Alignment of bones with metal screws for stabilisation

Midfoot Fusion Surgery

  • Fusion of one or more joints in the midfoot to reduce pain and improve stability

  •  Use of screws, plates, and possibly bone grafts for fusion

Hindfoot & Great Toe Fusion

  • Stabilisation of joints in the hindfoot or great toe to alleviate pain and restore function

  •  Use of metal implants to maintain alignment during healing

Recovery

  • No weight-bearing for 6-12 weeks post-surgery

  • Use of crutches, walkers, or knee scooters for mobility

  • Regular X-rays to monitor bone fusion progress

  • Gradual return to weight-bearing activities with physical therapy

Risks and Complications

  • Infection, bleeding, or nerve damage

  • Nonunion (failure of bones to fuse) or malunion (incorrect alignment)

  • Possible need for removal of hardware if it causes discomfort

  • Increased risk of arthritis in adjacent joints over time