Arthroscopic ankle fusion What is the ideal arthroscopic ankle fusion ?
The ideal arthroscopic ankle fusion is one which has as near a 100% chance of union at first attempt as is possible. It allows the patient to weight bear and walk immediately. It has low levels of post operative pain.
This description serves also to illustrate the main advantages of arthroscopic ankle fusion.
This is performed by using the standard two small incisions for ankle arthroscopy as well as two further small incisions to place the two screws required for fixation. 
Post-operative scars following minimally invasive ankle fusion.
The minimal bone removal and minimal soft tissue disruption leave a joint which is inherently stable (with screw fixation) and provides the optimum conditions for bony union.
Other advantages of the arthroscopic ankle fusion technique
One can invariably avoid the need for cumbersome and restricting plaster casts. Instead a removable brace such as the Aircast boot or a thermoplastic splint can be used from day 1 post-operatively.
The low level of pain and high mobility means that the majority of patients require only one post-operative day in hospital. 
The Aircast boot
The removable thermoplastic splint
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