Posted on March 28, 2008 in Latest News
A treatment often administered to patients suffering from arthritis is Arthrodesis- in simpler terms known to be bone or joint fusion surgery.
This surgery is performed to relieve pain in the hips, ankles, wrists, fingers, thumbs, or spine.
In this surgery two bones on each end of a joint are fused, eliminating the joint itself. This kind of treatment is used for those patients in whom joints are completely destroyed by by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other forms of arthritis.
In case of severe back aches and in worse cases of a chance of tumor, this treatment is administered o the spine.
This surgery is helpful as it promotes joint flexibility and helps the joints bear more weight .
There are different ways to perform arthrodesis surgery:
Bone Grafts: Bone can be taken from another part of the body or from a bone bank and placed in between the two bones being fused to stimulate the fusion. This is called a bone graft.
Artificial Implants: Implants of metal plates, screws, or wires are used to close the joint and position the bones next to each other. Over time, the body heals the bones to become one.
What Are the Risks of Arthrodesis?
The risks associated with joint fusion vary depending upon the person’s age, overall health status, and the type of procedure that is being performed. Risks include:
· Pain at the site of bone fusion
· Failure of the fusion and/or breakage of metal implants
· Nerve injury
· Infection
Consult your doctor to know more about this form of treatment.
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