Midfoot Fusion

MIDFOOT FUSION

Midfoot fusion is a procedure in which the different bones that make up the arch of the foot are fused together. Fusion eliminates the normal motion that occurs between two bones. Since there is very little movement in the small joints of the midfoot, the function of the foot can be preserved.

Midfoot fusion can involve all of the midfoot joints, but in most cases just one or a few of the joints are fused. The joints of the midfoot do not bend and move like your knee or elbow. They are designed to be relatively stiff to give your foot strength and support your body. Midfoot fusion generally does not produce much noticeable loss of motion because there is fairly little motion to begin with.

The primary goal of midfoot fusion is to decrease pain and improve function. Eliminating the painful motion between arthritic joint surfaces and restoring the bones to their normal positions achieves this. Other goals include the correction of deformity and the return of stability to the arch of the foot. A successful midfoot fusion can achieve these goals and restore more normal walking ability.

Successful midfoot fusion depends on complete removal of all joint surfaces (cartilage) and stable fixation of the joints being fused. Residual cartilage can prevent the bones from fusing together. Failure to achieve adequate stability may allow too much motion for fusion to occur.

SURGERY
Midfoot fusion usually is done with one or two incisions on the top of the foot. The number and length of the incisions is determined by the number of joints to be fused. Careful attention is paid to protecting tendons and nerves.

Stability is achieved during midfoot fusion using metal implants such as screws and plates. These are designed to immobilize the joints and allow for the formation of bone across the joint space. This process may involve the addition of bone graft material to fill any gaps that might exist between the bones after the cartilage has been removed. This bone graft material may be taken from another location in the patient’s body (autograft). It may also come from donated bone (allograft) or from a synthetic material. A combination of these materials may be used.

COMPLICATIONS
All surgeries come with possible complications, including the risks associated with anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and bleeding or blood clots.

A major potential complication after midfoot fusion is failure of the bones to fuse (nonunion). Other complications can include over-correction or under-correction of deformity (malunion). There can be problems with wound healing. Prominent plates and screws can be painful and may require removal of the hardware. Injury to nerves on the top of the foot can occur.

Smoking is one of the leading risks for nonunion. Premature weight bearing can also result in failure of the bones to fuse.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • How much motion in my foot will I lose after midfoot fusion?

    Motion of the midfoot joints is normally somewhat limited. Loss of that motion after fusion surgery tends to be well-tolerated by patients. The more mobile joints of the ankle, hindfoot and forefoot are unaffected by midfoot fusion and thus continue to provide motion to the foot.

  • Will I set off an airport metal detector after midfoot fusion?

    The strength of the metal detector and the amount of metal implants used determine whether hardware from a midfoot fusion will be detected. It is uncommon for the metal implants to be detectable by airport screening methods. 

  • How will I get around after surgery before I am allowed to put any weight on the foot?

    A combination of devices can be used, including crutches, walkers, knee-rollers, scooters and wheelchairs. Physical therapy is used to help assess patient needs and improve mobility and safety. Certain patients may benefit from the assistance provided by a skilled nursing facility or post-operative rehabilitation unit.

  • Will the plates and screws have to be removed after midfoot fusion?

    Metal implants used for midfoot fusion are not routinely removed. Hardware may need to be removed if there is a failure of the fusion or if infection develops. Painful hardware can be removed once the fusion is healed.

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Information provided by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) via FootCareMD.com
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