What is the duration of a Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion surgery?

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Last updated: April 7, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

An MTP fusion surgery typically takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete. The procedure involves removing the damaged joint surfaces, aligning the bones properly, and securing them with hardware such as screws, plates, or wires to promote fusion 1. The exact duration can vary depending on several factors including the complexity of the case, the surgeon's experience, whether additional procedures are being performed simultaneously, and any complications that may arise during surgery.

  • Key factors influencing the duration of the surgery include:
    • Complexity of the case
    • Surgeon's experience
    • Additional procedures being performed simultaneously
    • Complications arising during surgery Patients should expect to spend additional time in the pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery areas, making the total time at the surgical facility around 4 to 6 hours.
  • The surgery is typically performed under:
    • General anesthesia
    • Regional nerve blocks Following surgery, patients typically need to avoid weight-bearing on the affected foot for 6 to 8 weeks while the bones fuse together, and complete recovery can take 3 to 6 months. It's essential to follow the surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications 1.

From the Research

MTP Fusion Surgery Duration

  • The duration of an MTP fusion surgery is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, it can be inferred that the surgery time may vary depending on the technique used, the complexity of the case, and the surgeon's experience.
  • The study on percutaneous MTP1 fusion 2 mentions that the procedure is simple and provides comparable results to fusions performed with open techniques, but it does not provide information on the surgery duration.
  • The other studies 3, 4, 5, 6 focus on different aspects of MTP fusion surgery, such as outcomes, complications, and techniques, but do not provide specific information on the surgery duration.

Related Information

  • The study on percutaneous MTP1 fusion 2 highlights the importance of bone preparation and experience in percutaneous forefoot surgery.
  • The study on the effect of age on complication rates and outcomes following MTP fusion 3 suggests that older patients may have similar outcomes and complication rates as younger patients, despite having more comorbidities.
  • The study on primary arthrodesis versus open reduction and internal fixation outcomes for Lisfranc injuries 4 compares the outcomes of different surgical techniques, but does not provide information on the duration of MTP fusion surgery.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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