Final answer:
Foot fusion is a surgical process termed arthrodesis, aiming to alleviate pain by fusing tarsal bones in the foot. Such surgery is often a treatment option for arthritis or deformities like clubfoot. The fused joints lose certain movements, affecting foot function and flexibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of foot fusion typically involves a surgical procedure known as arthrodesis, which is intended to relieve pain in the joints of the foot or ankle by fusing two or more of the tarsal bones together. This surgery is often pursued when more conservative treatments have failed to yield relief from conditions such as arthritis or deformities including clubfoot which can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. The multiple plane joints amongst the tarsal bones of the posterior foot are involved in movements such as inversion—turning the bottom of the foot towards the midline—and eversion—turning it away from the midline.
These motions play a vital role in stabilizing the foot during various activities. During foot fusion surgery, the cartilage on the surface of the tarsal bones is removed, and the bones are held together with plates, screws, or rods so that they can heal into a single rigid unit. It is important to note that while foot fusion surgery can alleviate pain, it also results in a permanent loss of certain movements within the fused joints which can influence the overall function and flexibility of the foot.