Is foot/ankle pain preventing you from living a comfortable and happy life? Learn more about how the foot fusion surgery at our Kelowna private hospital can quickly and safely restore your function and movement.
Do you suffer from long-term tendon, muscle or joint pain? Orthopedic surgery, such as shoulder, foot and ankle surgery can have many benefits, including:
- Improved range of motion
- Makes it easier and more comfortable to perform daily activities such as grocery shopping and walking up stairs
- Reduced pain, swelling and discomfort
- Higher quality of life
- Increased joint movement and prevention of any deformities
General & Orthopaedic Surgery at our Kelowna Private Hospital
At our Kelowna health surgical centre, our surgeons are experienced and knowledgeable in a broad range of general and orthopedic procedures including shoulder, ankle and foot fusion surgeries.
Whatever your needs, we provide customized health care, with minimal wait times and successful outcomes, to help restore your function and quality of life.
What is Foot Fusion Surgery?
Foot fusion surgery is carried out to permanently join or stiffen the joint between arthritic bones. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Flat feet
- Injuries such as fractures, caused by wear and tear to bones and cartilage
- Rheumatoid arthritis
How is it carried out?
This foot surgery, which typically involves staying overnight in a hospital, is performed under general anaesthetic, with the added injection in the leg to numb the foot after surgery and reduce pain.
Step 1: The plastic surgeon will make one or two incisions in the foot, depending on which joints are being fused together.
Step 2: The painful, damaged joint is removed and the bones are stiffened with plates and screws, which remain in the foot to increase stability and allow the bones to fuse as they heal.
Step 3: If an extra bone is needed for fusing, this can be taken from another area of your body or from a donor bone. You will be able to discuss this with the surgeon prior to your foot procedure.
Step 4: Once the foot fusion surgery is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures to promote healing.
Benefits & Risks of Foot Fusion Surgery
Foot fusion has become a popular way to treat arthritis in patients because it adds more strength to the joint. Other benefits of this foot surgery include:
- Unlike artificial joints that have a lifespan of 15-20 years, a foot fusion offers permanent results
- It provides instant pain relief
- It restores your lifestyle to before the joint began limiting your motion, making everyday tasks and activities easier and painless.
- It has a relatively short recovery period for a foot surgery (2-3 months)
- You will be able to put your full weight on the joint after healing and physical therapy
However, as with all general and orthopaedic surgeries, a foot fusion does come with some risks. It is important to understand these before deciding whether or not this foot surgery is right for you.
Foot Fusion Risks
Risks of this foot surgery include:
- Infection
- Nerve-damage
- Higher risk of a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
- May create wear and tear on other joints of the body
- Limits movement, making certain activities impossible (although it creates strength in the joint)
Book A Consultation Today
A foot fusion surgery is a safe, effective and beneficial treatment option for those suffering from joint pain. If you are considering this procedure, it is best to schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon.
They can assess your general health, medical history and unique physical needs to best determine whether or not a foot fusion is the right option for you.
