Ankle Fusion Surgery

Ankle fusion surgery fuses the bones of the ankle joint together into a solid structure. Also known as ankle arthrodesis, this surgery uses screws, plates, or rods to hold different ankle bones in place until they heal as one solid bone.

Why Would I Get Ankle Fusion Surgery?

Ankle fusion can treat conditions where damaged cartilage can cause pain, limit movement, and create instability, such as:

• Arthritis
• Fractures and injuries to the ankle
• Deformities
• Failed ankle replacement surgery
• Infection
• Joint instability/collapse

How Can Ankle Fusion Surgery Help Me?

Fusing the ankle bones eliminates painful joint movement. While it reduces joint mobility, it stabilizes the foot, decreasing pain and making it easier to bear weight, stand, and walk.

How Is Ankle Fusion Surgery Performed?

Ankle fusion surgery can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.

• The damaged cartilage is removed.
• The ankle bones are positioned and secured using metal plates or bone grafts.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

Ankle fusion surgery can be performed using:

• General anesthesia: You will be asleep during the surgery.
• Regional anesthesia: Your surgeon will use a nerve block to numb an area, such as below the knee or everything below the waist. You will be awake, but you won’t feel anything during the procedure.

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgery, ankle fusion carries some risk of complications, including:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Nerve damage

For ankle fusion surgery, specific risks include:

• Changes in gait
• Delayed healing
• New arthritis in nearby joints
• Non-union (failure to fuse)

What Does Recovery Involve?

Recovery from ankle fusion surgery typically includes:

• Hospital stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery.
• Immobilization: You will need to keep your weight off the ankle. You will likely need crutches or a wheelchair for 6-8 weeks.
• Splint: You will need to wear a splint to keep the joint immobile while it heals. After a few weeks, the splint may be replaced with a boot or cast.
• Physical therapy: Once the bones begin to fuse, you will need physical therapy for several months as you adjust.
• Return to activity: As healing progresses, you can transition to a walking boot and, eventually, your everyday shoes.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Full recovery can take 3-9 months, depending on your health and healing response.

What Improvements Can I Expect?

After ankle fusion surgery, most patients experience:

• Significant pain relief
• Improved function
• Increased stability
• Improved ability to stand and walk

While you won’t regain movement in the ankle joint, most people adapt well to the change and can return to normal daily activities.

What Are Some Alternatives to Ankle Fusion Surgery?

Ankle fusion isn’t the only way these ankle issues can be treated. Other treatment strategies include:

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing or orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections

Surgical Treatments

• Total ankle replacement (arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that can treat chronic ankle pain while maintaining joint mobility.
• Arthroscopic debridement removes loose cartilage or bone spurs, typically in the early stages of ankle arthritis.

Talk to your surgeon to explore the benefits of each option and determine what treatment strategy is right with you.