A fusion or arthrodesis is designed to eliminate pain by allowing the bones that make up the joint to grow together, or fuse, into one solid bone. Fusions are used in many joints and were very common before the invention of artificial implants for the replacement of arthritic joints. Even today, joint fusions are used in many cases for arthritis pain treatment.

To fuse a finger joint, an incision is made on the top of the finger. The joint is then opened so the surgeon can see the joint surfaces. The cartilage is removed from both joint surfaces leaving two surfaces of raw bone.  

The two joint surfaces are then placed together and held in place with metal or resorbable pins. The pins allow the surgeon to hold the two bones in the correct alignment.  

This prevents the bones from moving too much as they grow together or fuse. It usually takes about six weeks before the bones are fused. The process reduces pain, but also limits the mobility of that finger.