About Arthrodesis Foot
Key Highlights
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Provides permanent pain relief by eliminating motion in a damaged or arthritic joint.Corrects severe foot deformities, improving alignment and stability.Offers a definitive solution when non-surgical treatments are ineffective.Can prevent the progression of deformity and associated long-term complications.Tailored to pediatric anatomy, considering future bone growth and development.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, painful arthritis in foot joints (e.g., from juvenile idiopathic arthritis).
- Progressive neuromuscular deformities like severe clubfoot or cavovarus foot.
- Paralytic deformities resulting from conditions like cerebral palsy or spina bifida.
- Post-traumatic arthritis or joint destruction following a significant injury.
- Failed previous corrective surgeries requiring stabilization.
- Severe tarsal coalition causing pain and rigidity.
- Charcot neuroarthropathy in the pediatric population (rare).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam, X-rays, and possibly CT or MRI scans.
- Detailed discussion of the procedure, goals, risks, and recovery expectations with the family.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance to ensure fitness for surgery.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for a specified period before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
- Planning for post-operative support, including possible casting and non-weight-bearing requirements.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nonunion or delayed union, where the bones fail to fuse properly.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury, potentially causing numbness or circulation issues.
- Adjacent joint arthritis due to increased stress on neighboring joints over time.
- Hardware irritation or failure, possibly requiring a second surgery for removal.
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or the need for further corrective procedures.
- Asymmetric growth or leg length discrepancy in growing children.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial immobilization in a cast or splint to protect the fusion site.
- Strict non-weight-bearing on the operated foot for several weeks, using crutches or a wheelchair.
- Pain management with prescribed medications and elevation to reduce swelling.
- Gradual transition to weight-bearing in a walking boot as guided by X-ray evidence of healing.
- Physical therapy to regain strength, mobility in adjacent joints, and proper gait.
- Regular follow-up visits for X-rays to monitor bone fusion and alignment.
- Full recovery and return to most activities may take several months.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering arthrodesis foot in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform arthrodesis foot. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for arthrodesis foot compare across other countries where we have data.
Krishna Shah is a 10-year-old boy...
Krishna Shah is a 10-year-old boy from a small village, known for his love of cricket and helping his father on their farm. For years, he has lived with a severe, rigid clubfoot deformity that was not fully corrected in infancy. His left foot is twisted inward and upward, making walking painful and unstable. He wears through shoes rapidly, stumbles frequently, and can't run with his friends. After multiple consultations, his pediatric orthopedic surgeon recommended a triple arthrodesis of the foot. The procedure would fuse the key joints in the hindfoot to correct the deformity, provide a stable, plantigrade foot, and relieve pain. Krishna was nervous about the big surgery and the long recovery. He underwent the procedure, followed by 8 weeks in a non-weight-bearing cast. After transitioning to a walking boot and intensive physiotherapy, he achieved a straight, stable foot. While his foot is stiffer, the pain is gone. He can now walk long distances without a limp, wear standard shoes, and even participate in casual games. Emotionally, he moved from frustration and social isolation to pride and relief. He feels 'normal' and is thrilled to keep up with his peers.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Arthrodesis Foot
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform arthrodesis foot and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata