Definition
Arthrodesis is surgical fusion of a joint to obtain pain relief, stability and correction of deformity.
Indications
- Painful end-stage arthritis
- Instability not amenable to reconstruction
- Neuromuscular deformity
- Infection or failed arthroplasty in selected situations
Principles
- Remove articular cartilage
- Appose bleeding cancellous bone surfaces
- Correct alignment, rotation and length
- Achieve rigid fixation
- Consider bone graft when required
Requirements for union
- Good biology and blood supply
- Adequate compression or stability
- Correct position
- Avoidance of infection
Complications
- Non-union
- Malunion
- Adjacent-joint overload
- Hardware failure
- Infection
Common orthopaedic examples
- Ankle arthrodesis
- Wrist arthrodesis
- First MTP arthrodesis
- Knee arthrodesis in salvage situations
Diagram
