What Is Arthrodesis?

Definition: 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:

ankles

wrists

thumbs

toes

fingers

top vertebrae in the neck

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.

Related Resources - Arthrodesis

Questions And Answers About Joint Fusion

Surgery For Arthritis

Joint Pain

Joint Protection

Also Known As: joint fusion

Common Misspellings: arthrodesus

Examples: Ankle arthrodesis was performed to relieve unrelenting pain.

_{Source: Wheeless Textbook of Orthopedics}