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Arthrodesis

In case of arthrodesis, the cartilage that remains at the level of the articular surfaces is removed with the aim of letting the particular bones grow together. Unlike an osteotomy, which aims at rearranging bone fragments of the same bone in relation to each other, while preserving the mobility of the surrounding joints, an arthrodesis will sacrifice the mobility of a joint, with the aim of eliminating the pain completely.
Such an operation also allows much larger corrections and will usually be performed on joints, which barely show a movement as yet. The little movement that such joints have yet is precisely the cause of the pain.

Almost all pathologies and all the joints of the ankle and the foot can benefit from such an operation. The more severe the deformity is, the more likely that the adjustment should be done through an arthrodesis.

Fig-1
Fig-2

 

Indications

Depending on its location, osteoarthritis or a significant impairment of a joint, requires the performance of an arthrodesis, at least if the goal is to obtain a correction and permanent indolence. The only joints at the height of the ankle and the foot where a prosthesis can be placed are the ankle itself and the metatarsophalangeal joints.

Fig-3
Fig-4

 

Contra-indications

A relative contra-indication is the presence of degenerative abnormalities at the level of the adjacent joints. Sacrificing the mobility of a joint, even if previously movement was barely possible, will increase the pressure on other adjacent joints. Because of that, these joints can get more painful and more symptomatic. Poor blood circulation in the leg and severe osteoporosis are other contra-indications.

Fig-5
Fig-6
Fig-7

 

Postoperative policy

You usually remain in hospital for a few days after this kind of surgery (1 to 4 days). Since the material, used to fix the bones in the right position, is not strong enough to bear your weight, you will be prompted not to lean on the lower limb that was operated for some time after surgery.

Fig-8
Fig-9
Fig-10

This period can range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and your treating surgeon. The immobilization will take about the same time.

  • Foot and Ankle Institute
    Building Ariane E0, Avenue Ariane 5
    1200 Woluwe-St-Lambert
    Tel: +32 2 280 17 07
    Email: info@footandankleinstitute.be
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Corona COVID-19 Alert

 

Because of the increased risk of contamination, because of the hospital emergency plan, all consultations within the Foot and Ankle Institute are canceled from this Sunday 15/03/2020 until Friday 03/04/2020.

ONLY patients, in the immediate postoperative period, will be seen on the outpatient clinic. All surgeries, planned during this period, must be postponed. Our secretaries will contact you as soon as possible to ensure further treatment.

 

If you present yourself at the outpatient clinic, being part of the exceptions:

  • – Anyone, presenting respiratory symptoms, cough, fever, difficulty breathing or a flu syndrome will and has to be refused access to our facility, unless absolutely necessary regardin the continuity of care.
  • – The recommendations concerning hand hygiene and the means of preventing the spread of the virus must be respected at all times, as well during contact with the care provider as well as in the waiting room:
    • ° Do not shake hands
    • ° Wash your hands
    • ° Do not come if you experience respiratory symptoms,…
    • ° Respect always a minimum distance of 1-2 meter with other people
  • – Access to the facility is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to children younger than 18 years old, except if they have been operated. If this is the case, maximum one accompanying person will be allowed.
  • – ONLY the patient will be granted access to the facility. No escorts, except in particular cases.

 

All surgeries are postponed according to the recommendations of the Minister of Health and all hospital directors. Our secretariat will contact you within reasonable time to fix a new dat with you, based on the development of the health situation, which is unknown and changing continuously.

The Foot and Ankle Institute would like to thank you for your understanding en encourages you to respect these safety instructions, put in place for the health of us all.

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