During arthroscopic foot fusion, the three major bones in the foot (talo-navicular, subtalar and calcaneal-cuboid) are joined together with screws. This locks them together in order to reduce pain. This procedure is performed with a minimally invasive method that utilizes an arthroscope (a narrow tube with a video camera on its end) inserted through small incisions in order to guide the surgeon through the procedure.
Also Known As:
- Arthroscopic joint fusion-foot
- Arthroscopic foot joint fusion
- Arthroscopic triple fusion
- Arthroscopic triple arthrodesis
- Arthroscopic foot arthrodesis
- Foot arthroscopy
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Foot surgery
Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Foot Fusion:
Arthroscopic foot fusion is utilized in order to treat severe foot pain, foot injury, chronic sepsis, and arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis of the foot.
Non-surgical alternatives to arthroscopic foot fusion include strength training, physical therapy, pain medication, anti-inflammatory steroid injections, weight loss, and the use of shoe implants, foot braces and walking aids. Foot joint replacement is a surgical alternative.
Anesthesia with Arthroscopic Foot Fusion:
Arthroscopic foot fusion is performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential Complications from Arthroscopic Foot Fusion:
Possible risks following arthroscopic foot fusion include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience reduced mobility and for the bones to fail to fuse together.
Prognosis after Arthroscopic Foot Fusion:
The prognosis for a positive end result following arthroscopic foot fusion is very good. In most cases, joint pain is relived.