Ankle Fusion Surgery
Professional Ankle Fusion Surgery in Millsboro & Seaford, DE
Undergoing an ankle fusion procedure can restore mobility and quality of life and offer a long-term solution for pain and discomfort. At Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle, we have a team of skilled, experienced foot and ankle surgeons who have performed thousands of successful procedures. We may recommend ankle fusion surgery if you have advanced arthritis, chronic joint damage or instability, or a structural misalignment or deformity that affects the ankle joint.
What Is Ankle Fusion Surgery?
Ankle fusion surgery, also called ankle arthrodesis, is a type of ankle surgery that aligns the foot and ankle to eliminate painful motion and correct angular deformities. This can reduce chronic pain and discomfort by limiting motion in a damaged or arthritic joint.
Conditions Treated With a Fusion of the Ankle Joint
Ankle arthrodesis surgery is used to treat complex, severe conditions that have not responded to more conservative treatment options or have gotten worse over time. The most common ankle problems treated are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
- Charcot neuroarthropathy
- Chronic instability or deformity of the ankle
- Failed ankle replacement surgery or pseudoarthrosis
Benefits of Ankle Arthrodesis Surgery
Ankle arthrodesis is an effective long-term solution for severe ankle arthritis and other chronic and complex ankle joint conditions. The benefits include:
- Long-term relief from ankle pain
- Lifetime solution for discomfort and instability
- Superior stability and strength that support an active lifestyle
- Improved quality of life and ability to return to your normal routine
- Incredibly high success rate
Who Is a Candidate for Arthrodesis of the Ankle?
The ideal candidate for this surgery is someone who has end-stage ankle arthritis or severe joint damage that has not improved with more conservative, non-surgical treatments. It is also recommended for patients with active lifestyles who need a durable, stable solution that can withstand physical activity. You may be a candidate if you:
- Are young and/or highly active
- Have undergone a failed joint replacement surgery
- Have tried physical therapy, bracing, and injections without success
- Were diagnosed with a severe deformity or instability
- Have advanced arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis
- Are not a candidate for artificial joint replacement surgery
How Ankle Fusion Surgery Is Performed
You will be under general anesthesia for the procedure in the hospital operating room. The general process for performing ankle fusion surgery is:
- Removing damaged cartilage from the ankle joint
- Roughening exposed bone surfaces to trigger natural healing and bone regeneration
- Realigning bones into a neutral, functional position
- Using a bone graft if needed to fill in gaps or reduce deformity and realign the joint
- Permanently fixing bones into place using biocompatible hardware
- Verifying the placement of hardware and alignment of the bones using X-rays or digital imaging
- Closing the incisions with sutures or staples
- Immobilizing the ankle in a heavy splint or cast
Ankle Fusion Recovery Timeline
Your timeline will depend on the complexity of the procedure, your age and overall health, and how well you adhere to our recommended pre- and post-surgical instructions. Most people require at least four to six months for healing and a year to return to typical daily activities. The general timeline includes:
- Non-weight bearing in a splint or cast to protect the surgical site and allow for bony fusion to occur.
- Transition to partial weight-bearing with a walking boot and/or crutches for up to 12 weeks, return to driving and/or more physical jobs after 12 weeks
- Transition to full weight-bearing and normal shoes over three to four months
- Active recovery, including strength building and balance training exercises through physical therapy, and a gradual return to low-impact activities over four to nine months
- Permanent bone fusion and full recovery can take up to a year for some individuals
Call to Schedule a Consultation for Ankle Treatment
Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle operates four treatment clinics in Delaware. Our podiatric surgeons provide comprehensive care and treatment for conditions that affect the foot and ankle. If you are dealing with acute or chronic pain, loss of mobility or range of motion, swelling and inflammation, and other troubling symptoms, we can help. Call us now or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation and diagnostic testing. We will uncover the underlying cause of your symptoms and design a personalized treatment plan, starting with conservative treatment first.
Answers to FAQs About Ankle Pain and Treatment
Is ankle fusion surgery my only option?
If conservative and non-surgical treatments have failed, we will help you explore alternatives. We may recommend minimally invasive resurfacing or arthroscopy, cartilage grafting, or total ankle replacement if you do not want to undergo ankle fusion.
Will I have a limp after surgery?
The majority of patients undergo a full recovery and can walk with a normal gait. You will lose the ability to flex your ankle up and down, but with those patients without midfoot deformity, you will notice minimal change in gait.
Is ankle fusion safe?
Yes, ankle fusion is a safe, effective, long-term solution for severe ankle pain and chronic joint conditions. It has a success rate of over 90% and a very low risk of complications. Every procedure has its risks and benefits, and our specialist can tailor the proper treatment plan for your individual case.
Can I still exercise and play sports after ankle fusion surgery?
When you are fully recovered, you can return to low-impact activities like walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, and golfing. Some patients are able to resume high-impact sports like running, soccer, skiing, and tennis, but you may require a longer rehabilitation period and/or experience some stiffness that limits full ankle movement.
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