Foot and Ankle Surgery
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Ankle surgery may be an option when moreconservative treatments don’t relieve ankle pain caused by severe arthritis. The type of surgery that’s right for you depends on your age, your level of activity, and the severity of your joint damage or deformity. Severely damaged ankle joints may need to have the bones fused together or even replaced with an artificial joint.
Ankle fusion In this procedure, the surgeon roughens the ends of the damaged bones and then fastens them together with metal plates and screws. During the healing process, the damaged bones fuse together into one combined bone.
Ankle fusion In this procedure, the surgeon roughens the ends of the damaged bones and then fastens them together with metal plates and screws. During the healing process, the damaged bones fuse together into one combined bone.
Ankle fusion is usually very successful in relieving arthritis pain. But it also reduces the ankle’s motion. To make up for this, nearby joints may move more — which increases the risk of developing arthritis in these joints.
Ankle fusion is usually recommended for younger people with more active lifestyles. Compared with ankle replacement, ankle fusion:
Increases the risk of developing arthritis in these joints.
Ankle fusion is usually recommended for younger people with more active lifestyles. Compared with ankle replacement, ankle fusion:
- Is generally more durable.
- Requires fewer restrictions in activity during recovery.
