Introduction
Ankle fusion surgery (also known as ankle arthrodesis) is a long established & effective surgical treatment for advanced ankle osteoarthritis. Best practice in the UK is that ankle fusion surgery should only be considered after more conservative treatments have been tried, or the condition is considered too advanced for other options.
The ankle needs to flex, allowing the foot to move up and down and to rotate. Because of its size and shape, the ankle receives more stress than any other joint in the body. Consequently, many people develop ankle osteoarthritis, usually due to a previous injury or wear and tear. People with advanced arthritis in the ankle may benefit from fusion.
Do I Need Ankle Fusion Surgery?
For patients researching ankle fusion surgery in the UK, the procedure is most often recommended as a way to relieve joint pain affecting daily life. The ankle joint is left stiff, but fusion does not normally result in problems walking, as the other joints remain mobile. Some patients are able to run and play sports like tennis following ankle arthrodesis.
Ankle arthrodesis remains the treatment of choice for young and active patients who will put their ankle under considerable stress. Older patients who are less active may consider an ankle replacement as an alternative which preserves a greater degree of mobility in the joint.
How Does Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion) Work?
This operation is undertaken to create a permanent joining of the three bones which make up the ankle – the talus, the tibia and the fibula. The damaged cartilage is removed to create a level bone surface.
The next step is to position the bones correctly for the fusion. Metal screws are used to hold the bones in the correct position.
With the correct positioning, the patient will not feel the screws and there is no need for them to be removed in the future.
With the advent of improved arthroscopic (keyhole) equipment, an ankle fusion may now be performed as a minimally-invasive procedure in some patients. This improves wound healing and aids a quicker recovery.
How Long Does Ankle Fusion Surgery Recovery Take?
Recovery protocols vary for ankle fusion surgery in the UK, but following a timeline of casting, limited weight-bearing, and physiotherapy gets the best results.
A typical recovery timeline for ankle arthrodesis is:
- Hospital stay for up to three nights
- 12 weeks in a fibreglass cast
- Limited weight-bearing after six weeks
- Physiotherapy from week six onwards
- Gradual return to full activity within six – twelve months
Most patients will be able to walk normally, but can experience difficulty running, as the ability to push off with the toes is lost. For this reason, shoes are often fitted with a rocker sole.
Interested in finding out if ankle fusion surgery is right for you? Book a consultation with one of our expert surgeons today.
