Who Needs Hindfoot Fusion and What to Expect?

There are numerous joints and bones in your hindfoot. If you have pain and stiffness in the area, there could be a number of possible causes including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Broken bones
• Deformity or change in foot shape

Your doctor may try a number of conventional treatment methods to avoid surgery. However, if they do not work, your doctor may recommend hindfoot fusion.

What Happens During Hindfoot Fusion?

A surgeon performs hindfoot fusion or intramedullary nail fixation surgery under general anesthetic. During the procedure, the doctor makes two or more incisions to access the impacted area. After cleaning the area, the surgeon joins the joints together with screws.

This procedure allows the joints to fuse, alleviating pain caused by joints rubbing together. Typically, the doctor closes the incisions with staples or stitches, and the foot is encased in a cast to facilitate healing.

DJO^®’s DynaNail^® intramedullary nail fixation system is a next generation nail fixation solution that maintains compression with up to 6 millimeters of bone settling or resorption. Thanks to the elastic properties of this intramedullary nail, surgeons can apply up to 6 millimeters of compression during the procedure.

What Happens After Hindfoot Fusion Surgery?

You'll receive pain medication during the healing process, and the fusion limits foot movement. For example, you won't be able to twist your foot or move it from side to side. Approximately 12 weeks after surgery, if the foot has healed well, you can begin to put some weight on the foot. Depending on the recommendations of your surgeon, you may go through physiotherapy once your doctor advises you to stand up and begin moving around again.

It may take some time to adjust to crutches or a walker, but it's crucial to minimize the weight you place on the foot in the first weeks of recovery. You may need to return to the hospital or clinic to have the staples or stitches removed or to change your cast.

Possible Complications

Possible complications of surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling
• Blood clots 

There are also specific complications that sometimes arise following hindfoot fusion, including the following:

• Poor union of the bones
• Misalignment of the fused bones
• Nerve damage
• Continued pain
• Screw irritation (necessitating removal)

DJO offers innovative devices that help salvage limbs and save lives. Do you have questions about DJO’s intramedullary nail or other foot products? Contact us today for more information.