What is Digital Arthrodesis?
Arthrodesis is the surgical immobilization of a joint by the fusion of the adjacent bone. Finger joint fusion is used for patients who haven’t had pain relief with other treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In this procedure, the two joint surfaces of the finger are fused together, keeping them from rubbing against one another. Fusing the two surfaces together relieves pain, makes the joint stable, and prevents additional joint deformity.
Risks of Digital Arthrodesis
As with any surgery, there are certain risks associated with finger joint fusions. The main side effect of finger joint fusions is that you may lose some or all the flexibility in your finger joint after it is fused. Other risks can include:
- Infection
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Failure of the joint to fuse.
What to Expect during Digital Arthrodesis
Your provider may recommend nonsurgical treatment options before considering surgery, like physical therapy, splinting, and ice. If these methods do not relieve the pain, surgery may be recommended. Your provider will first gather your medical history and perform a physical test as well as a few diagnostic tests. These exams help to ensure that you are in the best possible condition to undergo surgery.
The surgery may be done using a general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, or a local anesthesia, which numbs the hand. Once the anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will make an incision on the back of the finger over the affected joint. The joint capsule surrounding the finger is then opened and the articular cartilage is removed from both joint surfaces to leave the raw bone. The two joints are then shaped to form a ball and socket type fit. A metal pin is inserted through the center of both bones to connect each end together, which allows for correct alignment and prevents the bone from moving at is fuses.
Following surgery, you will wear an elbow-length cast for approximately 6 weeks to give the joints time to fuse together. Discomfort in the hand is normal, but you will be given medication to manage the pain. You should keep you head elevated above your heart for several days to avoid swelling and throbbing. Ice may also be used at this stage for pain relief.
When the cast is removed, you may have stiffness or pain in the fused joints or near the incision. Your provider may recommend physical therapy to relieve the pain and work to decrease stiffness and restore mobility to the finger.