Midfoot Fusion
A Midfoot Fusion is a procedure where one or more of the metatarsal cuneiform joints or intercuneiform joints are fused. This is a surgical technique doctors use to treat some types of midfoot arthritis.
Conditions
Doctors perform this surgery on patients who have previously had a fracture or dislocation and experience chronic pain. Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis will benefit from this surgery.
Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
The pain and stiffness you feel in your feet and ankles as you age could be arthritis. If left untreated, this nagging pain can get worse over time, eventually making it difficult to walk even short distances.
Equinus Contracture
Equinus contracture is a condition in which the upward bending motion of the ankle joint is limited, lacking the flexibility to lift the top of the foot.
FlatFoot Deformity
Adult flatfoot is caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch, thus resulting in the flattening of the foot.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining tissue, causing painful inflammation and stiffness.
Surgery
Surgery is performed to make two or more of your different bones grow together. This surgery can be done as an outpatient. In general, you can expect the following:
- You will receive a General anesthetic or Spinal anesthetic.
- During the surgery, one or more parallel 3 inch long incisions are made on the top of the midfoot. The bone ends are prepared by removing any remaining cartilage. They are held together with one or more screws.
- Doctors occasionally use a Bone Graft to fill any gaps and improve the chances of a solid fusion. This is routinely taken from your iliac crest, above the hip, on the same side as your foot. If it’s anticipated that a bone graft will be needed, your doctor will likely ask that you spend one night in the hospital after the surgery.
