What is Foot Bone Fusion?
Arthrodesis eliminates painful motion in diseased joints by removing cartilage and uniting bones with hardware until they fuse. Common sites include the hindfoot (subtalar, talonavicular, calcaneocuboid), midfoot (Lisfranc joints), and tarsometatarsal joints. Performed under general or regional anesthesia.
What to expect after Foot Bone Fusion?
- Splint/CAM boot with strict non–weight-bearing for 6–8 weeks
- Elevation and ice to control swelling; keep dressing dry
- Gradual progression to partial and full weight-bearing as X‑rays show fusion
- Physical therapy for gait, balance, and strength after immobilization
- Return to desk work 2–3 weeks; manual labor may require 10–12 weeks or more
- Full fusion may take 8–12 weeks (sometimes longer)
- Long-term: stiffer but more stable, pain‑reduced foot
