Arthrodesis

**Arthrodesis** is a surgical intervention performed for the purpose of partial or complete fixation of the affected joint.

The formation of the joint after Arthrodesis subsequently occurs with stiffness, immobility and the impossibility of rotational movements. Unlike osteosynthesis, periarticular tissues are usually not damaged, but restored. In medical practice, the concept of “Arthrodesis” is applied to all types of fixed connections of the articular surfaces of the bone with bone tissue or skeletal elements. However, the orthopedic branch of medicine includes only

Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fixes a joint(s) by immobilizing or shrinking their articular surfaces. This avoids contact and friction between the joint surfaces, resulting in pain relief. The operation consists of creating a scar or fusion between the joint capsule and the soft tissues (fascia, ligaments) that support the joint. Thus, the joints cannot move and are functionally inhibited. The operation is indicated for severe degenerative joint diseases when other treatment methods do not work, as well as for chronic joint pain. It can be performed on any joint of the upper and lower extremities, including the knee and ankle joints. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts about two hours. The patient is in the hospital for 4-5 days, then he is discharged.

Arthrodesis is contraindicated in patients with chronic infectious processes, blood clotting problems and increased activity of the immune system. Side effects of the surgery include slight pain and swelling in the area of ​​the operated joint, but these symptoms go away once the scar heals. Joint arthrodesis reduces joint mobility and functionality and therefore requires careful planning before surgery. The operation cannot be used without indications and should not be performed as soon as the patient complains of joint pain. In some cases, arthrodesis can have positive effects in chronic rheumatoid joint diseases. However, despite these provisions, surgery is an effective method of restoring joint support in diseases associated with mechanical damage to cartilage tissue or decreased muscle tone.