Joint pain in the hand or wrist can make even the simplest daily activities difficult. When arthritis, injury, or joint damage causes ongoing pain that no longer responds to conservative care, joint fusion may provide lasting relief and improved stability.
Lindsay Janes, MD, is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced expertise in hand surgery, peripheral nerve repair, and extremity reconstruction. Serving patients in Chicago, IL, Dr. Janes carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether joint fusion is the right solution and develops a treatment plan focused on restoring comfort and function.
What is Joint Fusion and When is it Recommended?
Joint fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more bones, so they heal into a single solid structure. While the affected joint no longer moves, eliminating that motion also removes the painful bone-on-bone contact responsible for many symptoms.
Joint fusion may be recommended for patients experiencing:
- Advanced arthritis in the hand or wrist
- Severe joint instability
- Joint damage following trauma
- Persistent pain despite splinting, medications, or injections
- Loss of strength that interferes with daily activities
The procedure is typically considered after nonsurgical treatments have failed to provide adequate relief.
Types of Joint Fusion Procedures
The type of fusion depends on the location of the damaged joint and each patient’s functional needs.
CMC Joint Fusion
The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb commonly develops arthritis over time. Frequent gripping, pinching, and repetitive hand use can gradually wear away cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, weakness, and decreased hand function.
For some patients, CMC joint fusion provides a durable solution by eliminating painful joint movement. Although thumb mobility becomes more limited, the procedure preserves the strength needed for many everyday tasks.
CMC fusion may be especially beneficial for younger, active individuals or those whose work requires a strong, dependable grip.
Total Wrist Fusion
Patients with widespread wrist arthritis, severe deformity, or joint collapse may benefit from total wrist fusion. During this procedure, the wrist bones are fused to the radius, creating a stable structure that no longer bends.
While wrist motion is eliminated, finger movement and elbow function remain intact. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved strength for activities such as lifting light objects, carrying groceries, or pushing up from a chair.
The Benefits of Joint Fusion
Every surgical procedure involves careful consideration of benefits and limitations. Joint fusion offers several advantages for appropriately selected patients.
Potential benefits include:
- Long-term pain relief
- Improved joint stability
- Greater grip strength
- Reduced inflammation caused by joint movement
- Reliable function for everyday activities
Although motion at the fused joint is permanently lost, many patients find the improvement in comfort and stability outweighs that limitation.
Why Choose Lindsay Janes, MD, for Joint Fusion?
Lindsay Janes, MD, provides specialized hand and nerve surgery, with advanced training in complex upper-extremity reconstruction.
After earning a medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Janes completed a plastic surgery residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University before pursuing a fellowship in hand and peripheral nerve surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. This specialized fellowship included extensive experience treating complex hand conditions and performing reconstructive procedures.
As an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Janes also contributes to research, surgical education, and advancements in patient care. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and functional goals to help restore comfort, strength, and independence.
Joint Fusion Treatment in Chicago, IL
Joint fusion can provide lasting relief for patients whose hand or wrist pain limits daily life despite conservative treatment. Careful surgical planning helps ensure joint fusion is considered only when it supports the patient’s comfort and daily function.
To schedule a consultation with Lindsay Janes, MD, for hand and nerve surgery in Chicago, IL, call (312) 695-6022 and learn whether joint fusion may be the right treatment for lasting pain relief.