Ankle fusion, also known as ankle arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure in which the bones of the ankle joint are permanently fused together. This typically performed to treat severe conditions, as well as chronic pain that has not responded to conservative treatment options.
During an ankle fusion surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are removed, & the tibia (shinbone) & talus (ankle bone) are fused together. The goal of ankle fusion is to create a solid bony connection between the two bones, eliminating the movement at the ankle joint & preventing bone-on-bone friction that causes pain. It’s important to keep in mind that ankle fusion is a major surgical procedure and is usually considered after careful evaluation and consideration of various factors, including the patient’s overall health, activity level, and the extent of joint damage. While ankle fusion surgery can provide pain relief and improved stability, it does result in the loss of joint motion, which can affect certain activities.
Here are a couple of reasons why an ankle fusion may be needed:
- Advanced Ankle Arthritis: Severe arthritis can lead to significant pain, stiffness, and loss of function.
- Traumatic Joint Damage: Severe trauma to the ankle joint, such as fractures, may result in significant joint damage. Ankle fusions can help stabilize the joint and alleviate the pain.
- Chronic Ankle Instability: Chronic ankle instability from ligament damage can lead to persistent pain and decreased functions.
- Joint Deformity: Joint deformities resulting from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or congenital abnormalities can cause pain and dysfunction.
- Non-Union of Ankle Fractures: In some cases where fractures of the ankle bones fail to heal properly, an ankle fusion might be considered to provide stability for the joint.
Ankle fusion offers several potential benefits such as:
- Pain relief: By eliminating the movement of the joint and reducing bone-on-bone contact, ankle fusions can improve chronic pain caused by arthritis or joint damage.
- Improved stability: Fusion eliminates joint laxity, providing greater stability.
- Maintenance of alignment: Fusion can help correct deformities or misalignments caused by injuries or arthritis.
- Increased functionality: Although ankle movement is lost, many patients find they can perform most daily activities.
However, there are some limitations and considerations associated with ankle fusion such as the following:
- Loss of joint motion: Ankle fusions restrict movement at the joint of the ankle, affecting activities that require significant flexibility.
- Adjacent joint stress: Fusion can place increased stress on adjacent joints, potentially leading to more wear and tear on the joints.
- Prolonged recovery: Recovery from ankle fusion surgery can be lengthy and may require periods of immobilization and rehabilitation.