Triple Arthrodesis (Fusion of three joints)
Arthrodesis is the medical term for fusion, an operation where the cartilage in the joint space is removed and the involved bones are held together with screws so that they heal into one bone.
"Triple” refers to three joints being fused to stabilize the hindfoot, which does the inversion and eversion (side to side) motion at the lower ankle joint.
The joint spaces are difficult to see as the bones have grown together.
This fusion operation helps convert arthritic or unstable joints into stable, less painful joints. However, usually there is the price to pay of loss of motion.
