• Arthritis – osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Changes in the shape of your foot including a deformity
• Broken bones

If conservative methods of treatment do not relieve your symptoms, or in cases of a complex break, your consultant may recommend hindfoot fusion. The surgery may also include one or more of the following, depending on the patient:

• Tendo-Achilles lengthening
• Calcaneal osteotomy
• Tendon transfers
• Ligament reconstruction
• Other osteotomies

What happens during hindfoot fusion?

Hindfoot fusion is usually performed under general aneasthetic. One or more incisions (cuts) may be made on your foot. Your surgeon will clean the exposed areas and compress the affected joints together with screws. The screws will allow the joints to fuse relieving the pain when the joint surfaces rub together. They will close the wounds with stitches or staples. Your foot will be in a cast for protection.

After hindfoot fusion

We will give you pain relief medication. Be sure and let a member of our healthcare team know if you are in pain.

The nature of fusion means the movement in your foot will be restricted. There will be no side to side or twisting movement in your foot.

A physiotherapist will visit to help you stand and begin moving around on your own. They will teach you how to use a walker or crutches. You may need to restrict weight bearing in the first weeks following your operation.

Going home after hindfoot fusion

Most patients go home 1-2 days after hindfoot fusion. You will not be able to drive until released to do so. Please arrange for someone to drive you home and to help you with daily activities for the first few days.

Continue to take any pain relief medications as needed. Swelling is very common following foot surgery. Elevate your foot as much as possible.

You may need to return to our hospital to have any stitches or staples removed and your cast changed.

Approximately 6-8 weeks after your operation you will need to come in for an x-ray to check the bone growth in your fusion. Your cast may be removed and you may be given a walking boot. You may be released for partial weight bearing. A physiotherapist may give you exercises to strengthen the muscles in your legs.

We will take another x-ray at approximately 12 weeks post-surgery to confirm you can begin full weight bearing. You may be referred to physiotherapy.

It can take several months for your hind foot fusion to fully heal. Please discuss any return to work with your surgeon.

Most people make a good recovery from hindfoot fusion.

Risks

General risks

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots (Depp Veined Thrombosis
• Swelling

Specific complications of hindfoot fusion

• Non-union or mal-union of the bones
• Continued pain and swelling
• Nerve damage
• Irritation from screws – may require removal

Expected outcomes

• Improved pain relief
• Improved function/mobility
• Increased walking tolerance with decreased walking aid requirement
• Return to no impact/low-impact physical activities may be possible but strenuous sport is unlikely
• Full recovery may take up to twelve to eighteen months