Foot Fusion: Procedure, Recovery, and Care
Foot joint fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more bones together to eliminate movement at a painful or damaged joint. This helps reduce pain, improve stability, and correct deformity. It is commonly used to treat arthritis, joint degeneration, or conditions that cause misalignment or stiffness.
Different joints in the foot may be fused depending on the problem, including the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. The procedure involves removing the joint surfaces and securing the bones together using hardware such as screws or plates.
Recovery includes a period of non-weight-bearing, followed by gradual return to activity. Most patients use a cast or boot and attend physical therapy to regain strength and function.
