At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic, located in Dubai Healthcare City, our orthopedic department is committed to providing specialized care for a wide range of bone and joint conditions. As a multi-specialty clinic with internationally accredited consultants, we pride ourselves on delivering world-class orthopedic solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
Among the advanced orthopedic interventions offered at Westminster is Joint Fusion, or Arthrodesis — a surgical solution designed to relieve pain, improve function, and restore quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint issues. In this article, we explore the science behind this procedure, when it’s appropriate, and what patients can expect during recovery.
Understanding Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
Joint Fusion is a surgical technique that involves permanently joining two or more bones in a joint, effectively eliminating movement in the affected area. While this may sound limiting, the goal of the procedure is to reduce or eliminate pain and stabilize the joint, especially when movement becomes a source of chronic discomfort or disability.
The procedure is most commonly performed on the ankle, spine, wrist, fingers, and toes. It is distinct from joint replacement surgery, where the natural joint is replaced with a prosthetic. Instead, joint fusion uses the body’s natural healing process to create a solid, immobile union between bones—often with the help of surgical tools like plates, screws, or rods and sometimes a bone graft.
When Is Joint Fusion Recommended?
Joint fusion is not a first-line treatment. At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai, our orthopedic specialists, including Dr. Khaled Mohamed Diab and Dr. Ishrat Azam Khan, consider this surgical option only when conservative treatments—such as medication, physiotherapy, or minimally invasive procedures—fail to provide adequate relief.
It may be recommended in the following situations:
- Severe arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) causing joint damage and pain
- Joint deformities or instability due to congenital or acquired conditions
- Chronic joint pain that does not respond to physical therapy or injections
- Failed joint replacements, where a previous implant is no longer effective
- Post-traumatic conditions, such as joint destruction from injury
- Pediatric orthopedic cases involving neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, which may require joint correction for mobility and pain relief
Conditions Treated with Joint Fusion at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai
The orthopedic team at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai, has significant experience treating both adult and pediatric patients using joint fusion techniques. Some of the conditions commonly treated through arthrodesis include:
- Foot and ankle deformities, particularly in patients with flat foot, diabetic foot complications, or structural abnormalities
- Post-traumatic arthritis, where prior injuries have caused joint degeneration
- Spinal degenerative diseases that limit mobility and cause nerve compression
- Complex musculoskeletal trauma requiring long-term structural correction
- Rare but necessary pediatric deformities, such as clubfoot or knock knee, where fusion is considered when bracing or soft-tissue surgery is ineffective
Patients are often referred to our skilled consultants like Dr. Ishrat Azam Khan or Dr. Khaled Diab, who assess the condition comprehensively before recommending surgery.
The Surgical Procedure Explained
The process of joint fusion begins with a comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation. This may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to understand the extent of joint damage. Neurological assessments are also performed when required, especially in spinal or nerve-related cases.
During the procedure, the patient is placed under general or regional anesthesia, and the damaged cartilage is removed from the joint surfaces. The bones are then positioned and secured using surgical hardware such as metal plates, screws, or rods. In some cases, bone grafts are added to enhance fusion and healing.
The duration of surgery can vary depending on the complexity and location of the joint. While the risks are minimal under experienced hands, potential complications may include infection, non-union of bones, or reduced range of motion in adjacent joints.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Joint Fusion
Recovery after joint fusion is a critical phase that determines the success and long-term outcome of the surgery. At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City, our medical team ensures that patients receive thorough post-operative care tailored to their specific condition.
- Hospital Stay Duration: Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on the joint operated and overall health status.
- Immobilization: After surgery, the affected area is typically immobilized with a cast, brace, or boot to maintain the correct position during healing.
- Timeline for Healing: Complete bone fusion may take 6 to 12 weeks, during which bone grafts and surgical hardware promote natural bone growth and solidification.
- Physiotherapy Support: Our rehabilitation specialists guide patients through gradual and safe movement, building strength and improving mobility in adjacent joints.
- Long-Term Adjustments: Patients may need to modify certain activities or daily habits, but the long-term goal is pain relief and stable, functional movement.
Personalized Care at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai
At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai, personalized care is at the core of our orthopedic services. Our consultants, Dr. Khaled Mohamed Diab (who also speaks Arabic) and Dr. Ishrat Azam Khan, work closely with patients to design individualized treatment and recovery plans.
- Collaborative Approach: Joint fusion is a multi-disciplinary effort. Our orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists coordinate care to ensure smooth recovery and maximum benefit.
- Advanced Diagnostics: We utilize modern imaging tools such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays to accurately assess the joint before surgery and monitor healing afterward.
- Post-Operative Management: From pain control to follow-up consultations, every patient is supported throughout their journey, ensuring optimal outcomes and reduced risk of complications.
Final Thoughts: Is Joint Fusion Right for You?
While joint fusion can be life-changing for many, it’s not the ideal option for everyone. It’s typically recommended for patients with severe, unmanageable joint pain, deformities, or post-traumatic conditions where mobility can be safely sacrificed for pain-free stability.
Consulting with experienced specialists—like those at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic, Dubai Healthcare City is the best way to determine if this procedure is suitable for your condition. Our team will walk you through diagnostic assessments, non-surgical alternatives, and the complete benefits and risks of arthrodesis.