What is a subtalar arthrodesis?

What is a subtalar arthrodesis?

Subtalar arthrodesis entails surgical fusion of the posterior aspect of the subtalar joint to alleviate pain in patients with conditions such as post-traumatic arthritis after calcaneal fractures or adult-acquired flatfoot deformity due to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, as well as other disorders.

Where is subtalar arthrodesis?

Subtalar arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of bones that form the subtalar joint. The subtalar joint is a complex joint located below the ankle joint and is formed by the union of the heel (calcaneus) and the talus (ankle) bone. The subtalar joint allows side-side movement of the foot.

How is a subtalar fusion done?

Subtalar fusion, or arthrodesis, involves fusing the heel bone, or calcaneus, to the talus bone stabilizing the heel and mid-hindfoot. The surgeon removes and fuses the subtalar joint with one or more screws inserted through the heelbone and into the talus.

Is arthrodesis surgery painful?

Although joint motion is eliminated when joint fusion surgery is performed, the fused joint is no longer painful, the patient can bear more weight more painlessly and typically exhibits greater function.

Can you run after subtalar fusion?

Can you run after subtalar fusion? It will be 1 1/2 to 4 months before you can put full weight on the leg. Full healing and resuming normal activities will take about a full year. Running after an ankle fusion is not advised.

Does subtalar fusion work?

Subtalar fusion has been shown to surgically work in up to 85-95% of cases. However the patient satisfaction resulting from this surgery is a more realistic 80-85%.

How long does it take to recover from arthrodesis surgery?

In most cases, surgery relieves pain and makes it easier to perform daily activities. Full recovery time for arthrodesis takes four to nine months, depending on the severity of your condition before surgery, and the complexity of your procedure.

Why would a patient need an arthrodesis?

Reasons for Needing an Arthrodesis Causes of unrelenting pain that require arthrodesis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injuries and fractures that led to disruption of the joint’s ability to properly function.

Is arthrodesis a major surgery?

This is common for people who have arthritis — a condition where moving joints can be painful. Arthrodesis in the wrist stabilizes the joint. It fuses the long bone in your forearm to the smaller bones in your wrist. This is a major surgical procedure.