Precision Fusion Surgery and Other Innovative Alternatives
EmergeOrtho’s skilled physicians carefully evaluate patients and their symptoms to determine if they can be best served by fusion surgery or other alternatives. While fusion surgery does eliminate the pain of arthritis, it limits joint mobility. For this reason, it’s vital that only the most experienced, knowledgeable and adept orthopedists like our experts at EmergeOrtho evaluate the situation.
Fusion Surgery
Sometimes, arthritis causes cartilage to degenerate to the point that there is constant, chronic pain every time bones rub together. After nonsurgical treatments have proven ineffective in eliminating this pain, fusion surgery is an option.
This surgery fuses individual bones together, eliminating arthritic pain. However, there are also some disadvantages to this surgery. While a fusion does cure arthritis, it does so at the expense of joint mobility. There are multiple joints used in the ankle midfoot and forefoot, and in some cases, a fusion is the only answer.
Who is a candidate for fusion surgery?
Those who have constant, chronic pain from ankle arthritis are candidates for this procedure. However, fusion surgery should only be considered after all nonsurgical options have been exhausted. If pain medication, steroid injections, braces and specialized shoes have not reduced your pain, you should speak with one of our orthopedic surgeons who can help you evaluate your options.
Are there any alternatives to fusion surgery?
At EmergeOrtho, we specialize in providing several innovative treatments, and we’re able to offer several alternatives to fusion surgery. The following surgeries can help alleviate arthritis pain while retaining your range of motion. Some of them include:
This implant is made of a polymer plastic that closely resembles natural cartilage. It’s used to treat arthritis in the big toe and does not inhibit your natural motion.
MTP Implant
This metal or plastic implant replaces the MTP joint, also called the big toe joint.
Ankle replacement
An ankle replacement is another viable alternative. An artificial ankle mimics the natural movements of your ankle and is anchored so it won’t slip or loosen over time. For more information on ankle replacement and if it’s right for you, visit our Ankle Arthritis page.
Depending upon your individual situation, there may be additional alternatives that would be right for you.
At EmergeOrtho, we pride ourselves in providing superior care that is both comprehensive and compassionate. Our refined techniques and state-of-the-art medical technology make us the best choice for your orthopedic needs.
Please contact one of our physicians so we can discuss your options and a way to eliminate arthritis pain so you can emerge stronger.