Ankle fusion surgery removes painfully swollen, and degenerating cartilage in the ankle joint.
Following the removal of the inflamed structures, the ankle bones are positioned so that they can fuse together to form an immobile unit that does not rely on cartilage for stability.
Ankle fusion surgery can be done either through an ankle arthroscopy, which uses a small incision and a camera for visualization or through an open procedure. The surgery is performed under local or spinal anesthesia.
Contraindications
There are some contraindications to ankle fusion surgery for people of all ages.
If you have a joint infection or are a smoker, you are at a high risk of complications from surgery.
You may be unable to have this procedure if you have a blood clotting disorder that puts you at risk of bleeding or blood clots. Furthermore, if you are at risk of poor healing due to a disruption in blood flow, you may not be a candidate for ankle fusion surgery.
Purpose of Ankle Fusion Surgery
Ankle fusion surgery is intended to relieve pain. Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints that can cause severe pain and joint swelling due to inflammation and cartilage degeneration.
Ankle fusion surgery may be able to reduce ankle pain to the point where you can reduce your use of pain medications and become more physically active.
Other Treatment Options
Other options can help you achieve your ankle fusion goals. They are worth discussing with your healthcare provider so that you can be confident in your decision to proceed with surgery, among other things.
Many people with mild to moderate ankle arthritis can find relief with non-surgical options. Anti-inflammatory medications, a hot or cold pack, an ankle wrap, or ankle support can all help to alleviate painful swelling and inflammation.
Because ankle fusion reduces the range of motion in the ankle, these more conservative treatments should be tried before surgery.
Ankle replacement surgery is frequently weighed against ankle fusion surgery.
Ankle fusion surgery is generally preferred if you do not want to risk having another surgery to replace a worn-out ankle replacement (they have limited lifespans).
Ankle replacement surgery, on the other hand, is frequently recommended if joint flexibility is desired.
Recovery
Follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider will be required so that they can assess your recovery. Your medical team will examine your ankle to see if it is healing properly and for signs of complications (such as a blood clot, infection, or inadequate wound healing).
You should also describe any pain you are experiencing and inform your healthcare provider about the amount of pain medication you have been taking. This will allow them to assess your healing, determine whether you are experiencing more pain than expected, and possibly adjust your medication if necessary.
Most surgical hardware is removed during one of your follow-up appointments, but your healthcare provider may leave one or more pieces in place for joint stability.
For example, if your ankle joint was severely injured prior to surgery or if joint healing is incomplete, the metal implants may be required to remain long-term or permanently.
In the office, each screw, pin, or rod is pulled out in one piece with a very rapid pull on the hardware. This can be uncomfortable or painful for a few seconds, but pain medication is usually not required.
The bone will eventually fill the space that the hardware once occupied.
Long-Term Care
To prevent twisting, you will most likely need to be modified or specially designed shoes with a slip-resistant sole or ankle joint support. Your healthcare provider or therapist will advise you on which type of shoe to purchase or whether you require custom shoes.
Furthermore, because ankle fusion restricts motion, you may develop pain or arthritic changes in either foot down the road as you walk with uneven pressure on your feet. A splint or other supportive foot device may assist you in avoiding these problems.
