Fusion procedures help to limit movement in a specific area of the body, and when the operation is performed in the foot area, it is called an arthrodesis. During an arthrodesis, local cartilage is removed before the surgeon fuses specific bones together to stabilize the area. In a hindfoot fusion, also known as a triple arthrodesis procedure, the surgeon fuses three specific joints under the ankle that help the ankle move side to side. Limiting this painful movement can significantly improve symptoms and function in patients plagued by a range of issues in their heel area.

Doctors typically try to avoid a fusion procedure if possible because it limits the natural motion of the joint, but for certain patients, it can be exactly what they need to get back on their feet with less pain. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at who is an ideal candidate for a triple arthrodesis procedure.

Is Triple Arthrodesis Right For Me?

A triple arthrodesis procedure is typically reserved for patients with severe hindfoot issues that are not responding to more conservative techniques like physical therapy or controlled exercise. During the operation, the surgeon ends up fusing the talonavicular joint, the subtalar joint and the calcaneocuboid joint to greatly improve hindfoot stability and make it easier for the patient to comfortably stand and walk. We don’t typically like to limit natural joint movement, but when the movement is what’s causing pain, sometimes it’s best to sacrifice some function in order to limit this uncomfortable movement.

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you may be an ideal candidate for a triple arthrodesis procedure:

• Severe Arthritis – Mild to moderate joint arthritis in the foot can typically be managed with physical therapy, controlled exercise, weight loss and anti-inflammatory medications, but if the arthritis is extensive and severe, sometimes the best way to restore stability to the area and limit the painful movement is with a hindfoot fusion.
• Foot Deformities – Foot deformities can be genetic or they can develop as a result of injury or the natural aging process. Patients with very high arches or flat feet may not have as much hindfoot stability as those with a more natural arch, and if this is causing problems in your foot, a hindfoot fusion may help to stabilize the area.
• Calcaneal Fracture Treatment – A calcaneal fracture, also known as a heel fracture, may be treated with a fusion procedure in patients who have a severe fracture that may not otherwise heal in a stable or correct position. Most heel fractures end up healing just fine without the need for a triple arthrodesis.
• Healthy Adults – The ideal candidate for hindfoot fusion will be an otherwise healthy adult. A triple arthrodesis is not recommended for younger individuals who are still growing, and the ideal candidate will have a normal body weight and will not be a tobacco user.
• Unresponsive To Conservative Care – Finally, an ideal candidate for the triple arthrodesis procedure will have attempted to find relief through more conservative methods without success. Because it is a significant surgery, doctors will want to try a few different less invasive routes before opting for the finality of a hindfoot fusion procedure. If you’re given physical therapy and other conservative options your best shot and you still haven’t found relief, you may be an ideal candidate for the triple arthrodesis.

To learn more about your treatment options for heel pain and heel injuries, consider connecting with Dr. McDonald and his team today at (860) 244-8889.