Arthritis Osteoarthritis Treatment Arthrodesis Surgically Relieves Joint Pain The Pros and Cons of Joint Fusion By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice LinkedIn Twitter Carol Eustice is a writer who covers arthritis and chronic illness. She is the author of "The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis." Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 25, 2022 Medically reviewed by Marissa Sansone, MD Medically reviewed by Marissa Sansone, MD LinkedIn Marissa Sansone, MD, is a board-certified doctor of internal medicine and a current fellow in rheumatology at Yale University. She actively teaches rheumatology to medical residents and students, and peer-reviews abstracts in the journal Rheumatology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print When conservative treatments for osteoarthritis or other types of arthritis fail to satisfactorily relieve pain in the affected joint, it may be time to consider joint surgery. It's important to learn about the various types of joint surgery and understand your options. When most patients think of joint surgery, they think of a total joint replacement. But there are other procedures you should know about, including arthrodesis. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend Images / Getty Images Arthrodesis Explained Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses the bones that form a joint, essentially eliminating the joint. The procedure is commonly referred to as joint fusion. Surgeons implant pins, plates, screws, wires, or rods to position the bones together until they fuse. Bone grafts are sometimes needed if there is a significant bone loss. If bone grafting is necessary, bone can be taken from another part of the body or obtained from a bone bank. Arthrodesis is usually performed on ankles and wrists, but it can be performed on other joints, including thumbs, toes, fingers, and the spine. Candidates Common candidates for arthrodesis include people with arthritis who have joints so severely damaged that usual pain management techniques fail. Depending on which joint is affected, you may have the option of joint replacement surgery or arthrodesis. The goals for recovery may be factored into the decision. Benefits The primary benefit of arthrodesis is pain relief in the affected joint. By surgically eliminating the joint, pain relief is an attainable goal, barring any complications of surgery. Consider your goals when deciding if arthrodesis is the best option for you. Pros: Pain relief Stability in the fused joint Significant reduction in pain when weight is borne on the fused joint Improved alignment for severe arthritis Cons: Joint replacement may still be a better option for certain patientsLoss of flexibility and motion with a fused jointSlight possibility of wound-healing complications Recovery After surgery, a cast will be placed over the joint that underwent arthrodesis. Until there is X-ray evidence of fusion, the use of the affected joint will be limited. The healing process can take a long time. For example, ankle arthrodesis patients are not allowed to bear weight for between 8 to 12 weeks. You should keep your leg elevated to decrease swelling and promote healing until there is evidence of fusion. You'll need to keep weight off the joint until it's fused, so crutches or wheelchairs will be in your future. Arthrodesis is not without potential complications. Pain at the site of bone fusion, nerve injury, infection, or broken hardware (e.g., pins, screws) are known risks associated with arthrodesis. The most troublesome potential complication is a failed fusion, meaning the joint physically does not fuse. Arthrodesis, though, is normally a very successful procedure and serious complications are rare. Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. July 2007. Types of Surgery. Arthritis Foundation. By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice is a writer who covers arthritis and chronic illness. She is the author of "The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis." See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit