An ankle fusion, or arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure to join the bones of the ankle together, eliminating motion and relieving pain. Here's a breakdown of how it's typically performed:
Surgical Procedure
The ankle fusion procedure involves these key steps:
- Incision: Your surgeon will make an incision in your ankle to access the joint.
- Preparation: The damaged cartilage is removed from the ends of the bones being fused.
- Compression and Fixation: The bones are then compressed together and held in place using hardware. This can include:
- Plates
- Nails
- Screws
- Other specialized hardware.
Your surgeon will make an incision in your ankle to work on the joint. He or she will then compress the bones together and attach them with plates, nails, screws, or other hardware.
- Bone Graft (Optional): A bone graft may be used to help the bones grow together. This graft can be taken from another part of your body or from a donor.
Your healthcare provider may also use a bone graft to help the bones heal together.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures.
Post-Operative Care
Following surgery, you can expect:
- Immobilization: Your ankle will be immobilized with a cast or boot.
- Healing: The healing process will take several weeks to months for the bones to fuse.
- Physical Therapy: Once the bones have healed, physical therapy will help you regain strength and range of motion.
Why Ankle Fusion?
Ankle fusion is usually recommended for:
- Severe arthritis: When the cartilage in your ankle is severely damaged.
- Chronic pain: Pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
- Deformities: Conditions causing misalignment of the ankle.
- Instability: When the ankle is unstable due to ligament damage.
Considerations
- Motion: Ankle fusion will eliminate the ankle's range of motion, impacting some activities.
- Adjacent Joints: Increased stress will be placed on other joints in the foot and leg after the ankle joint is fused.
| Key Steps in Ankle Fusion | Description |
|---|---|
| Incision | Surgeon makes an opening to access the ankle joint. |
| Joint Preparation | Removal of damaged cartilage from the bones that will be fused together. |
| Compression & Fixation | Bones are compressed and held with plates, nails, or screws. |
| Bone Graft (if needed) | A bone graft is used to aid bone healing. |
| Closure | The incision is stitched closed. |
