Arthrodesis is a surgical operation which consists of blocking a joint. It is performed to correct a joint injury or eliminate pain related to movements of this joint. It is irreversible.
What is an arthrodesis?
“It’s about a operation to eliminate pain associated with movementsexplains Dr. Ahmed Meziane, orthopedic surgeon. It is practiced at the level of a jointgenerally the lumbar and the ankle. Different materials are used like screws, rods and metal plates.”
A lumbar arthrodesis “consists of fuse the vertebrae together. It can be practiced in the event of:
- A lumbar spondylolisthesis : this is the most common case for which an arthrodesis is recommended. This is a slippage of one vertebra in relation to another
- A spinal deformity
- A spinal fracture
- A degenerative disc disease
- A deterioration of the intervertebral disc
A ankle arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that “consists of permanently block the joint between the tibia and the talar bone (or talus (foot bone))”. There ankle will lose its mobility, but this will allow the pain to stop. Ankle arthrodesis is most often performed in cases of pronounced osteoarthritis or degenerative disease, such as poliomyelitis. Blocking the joint with screws or staples does not prevent the individual from walking.
What are the after-effects after an arthrodesis?
They are enough rare. It is mainly about muscle and/or skin painas well as tingling in the members. “Osteoarthritis (wear of the cartilage) of these joints can therefore occur several years after arthrodesis.adds Dr. Meziane.
Can we work after an arthrodesis?
Yes, but not immediately because it is a fairly heavy operation. “Count on average 4 months after the intervention for a return to professional activity. However, depending on the nature of your work, a return to normal activity may not be possible.“, specifies the expert.
A rehabilitation of approximately 1 to 2 months is necessary. “The joint is completely blocked, but mobility is possible by overloading adjacent joints. For example, when the fourth and third lumbar vertebrae are fused, movements of the back are still possible, with a certain stiffness nevertheless, by greater stress on the joints between the fourth and third on the one hand, and the third and the second on the other hand“, explains the orthopedic surgeon.
How long do you suffer after arthrodesis?
The pain lasts between 30 and 45 days. “Pain is linked to healing of injured tissues during the operation. Then, there is no more pain at all, since the joint is completely blocked.“, indicates Dr. Meziane.
Is it normal to have leg pain after arthrodesis?
“After an ankle arthrodesis, leg pain when resuming walking is often linked to a modification of the use of muscles, which must get used to working differently. Rehabilitation aims to help this muscular adaptation“, specifies Dr. Meziane.
Thanks to Dr. Ahmed Meziane, orthopedic surgeon at the Capio clinic in Domont.