A midfoot fusion stiffens the worn joints across the middle of the foot to give pain-free, stable weight-bearing. It is tailored to the joints involved and is the definitive treatment when footwear, orthotics and injections no longer control the pain.
When is midfoot fusion considered?
Midfoot fusion is considered when arthritis in the midfoot causes persistent pain on standing or walking and diagnostic injections confirm the painful joints.
Can I avoid surgery?
What happens during the procedure
The painful joints are identified from examination, imaging and injections
The worn joint surfaces are prepared for fusion
Plates, screws or staples hold the bones in the corrected position
The foot is protected while the fused joints heal
Recovery timeline
- First 6–10 weeks — protected or non-weight-bearing depending on fixation and bone quality
- Around 3 months — walking and daily activity build as fusion progresses
- 3–6 months — return to normal footwear and longer walks
- 5–7 months — lower-impact sport is often possible
Risks & complications
Risks include infection, delayed union or non-union, hardware irritation, swelling, nerve irritation and adjacent joint overload. Smoking and diabetes can slow bone healing.
Costs & insurance
Self-pay consultations are £250 (new) and £175 (follow-up). The procedure price is confirmed after your consultation. We are recognised by all the main insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and Cigna.
Questions & answers
The midfoot joints normally move only a small amount, so fusion is usually well tolerated once healed.
A numbing injection can confirm which joint is causing pain and helps plan a targeted fusion.
Many people are building normal walking around 3 months, with strength and swelling improving for several more months.
Only the painful arthritic joints are fused where possible, so the operation is tailored to your scan and symptoms.
