| Ankle fusion What if the adjacent joints are also arthritic?
If these neighbouring joints are already arthritic at the time of an ankle fusion this can result in increased symptoms or pain from them. Under such circumstances the options are either for an ankle replacement combined with a fusion of these other joints or a fusion of all the joints involved. Generally in the younger, more active person a fusion of more than just the ankle joint results in far more functional restriction and lower satisfaction rates following surgery. In the older patient, with lower demands upon the foot and ankle, the results of such multiple fusions are generally much better.
Why consider an ankle replacement?
Very few things in life and procedures in surgery come 'free'. In the case of ankle fusion the 'payback' is that the joints which have 'taken over' the ankle function do so at their own expense, often suffering degenerative change themselves eventually. There is a probability that between ten and twenty years following a fusion the main joint beneath the ankle (subtalar joint) will become arthritic.
(Also refer to the section 'factors to consider in deciding between an ankle replacement and an ankle fusion'.)
If my ankle is deformed (no longer in line with the rest of my leg) can this be corrected?
Yes, the aim of a fusion is to provide a painfree, stable and well aligned 'platform' on which to weight bear.
Your ankle may either be deformed in the frontal plane(coronal) 
or 'side on' (saggital) plane, or both.
By making appropriate compensatory cuts from the bone the deformity can be corrected. | |
