Finger joint fusion, or arthrodesis, involves surgically joining the bones of a finger joint together to eliminate motion and pain. Here's a breakdown of the process, according to the provided reference:
The Finger Joint Fusion Procedure
The procedure generally follows these steps:
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Anesthesia: You'll receive anesthesia to ensure you don't feel pain during the surgery.
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Incision: "Your doctor will make an incision (cut) in your skin" over the affected joint (30-Jun-2023).
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Cartilage Removal: "Then, they'll scrape away all the damaged cartilage (tissue) from your joint" (30-Jun-2023). This step is crucial because the cartilage prevents the bones from fusing naturally. "This will allow your bones to fuse" (30-Jun-2023).
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Bone Graft (Sometimes): "Sometimes, your surgeon will place a small piece of bone between the two ends of your joint" (30-Jun-2023). This bone graft helps to promote fusion and provide stability.
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Fixation: The bones are then held together with hardware such as pins, screws, or plates to ensure they heal in the correct position.
Why Finger Joint Fusion?
Finger joint fusion is typically performed to relieve pain and correct deformities caused by:
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Trauma (fractures, dislocations)
- Severe joint instability