Once the conservative treatment options for arthritis could not satisfactorily reduce the pain in the affected ankle, it is best to consider joint surgery. It is vital that you are familiar with various types of joint surgery and fully understand the possible options. One of these surgical options is ankle fusion.
Close look on ankle fusion
There are three bones that comprise the ankle joint – shinbone, fibula and the talus. It is important to note that the talus is positioned on the heel bone. The articular cartilage covers the interior of the ankle joint. In case injury occurs or if the cartilage is damaged by arthritis, the pain can be intense.
Ankle fusion is a surgical process that removes the surfaces of the ankle joint in order to promote fusion in between the tibia and talus. Fusion refers to bones growing together. This is not only performed on the ankle, but also on other joints that are severely painful.
There are various methods for ankle fusion but the objective of each is the same – to fuse the ankle joint.
Open method
- An incision is created to open the skin to provide access to the joint
- The joint is released and a surgical saw is utilized to take away the articular cartilage surfaces.
- After the removal of the articular cartilage, the body will heal by fusing the joint.
- The wound should be precise so that the bones are at the right angle when they are brought together for fusion.
- Screws and plates are utilized to secure the bones together until they fuse properly.
- An external fixator can be used in some circumstances.
Arthroscopic method
This method involves the use of an arthroscope. Using a small-sized incision, the arthroscope is inserted into the ankle joint. The cartilage is removed via the small incision while the arthroscope is utilized to observe the progress of the procedure. Once the surfaces are ready, screws are positioned to secure the bones until they heal.
Who are suitable for ankle fusion?
Individuals who sustained severe damage to the ankle from arthritis or previous injury are suitable candidates for ankle fusion. The individual usually have ankle pain that is pounding even after treatment using medications or other treatment options. Once the pain is severe which disrupts with walking or daily activities, it is best to consult a doctor if ankle fusion is a recommended form of treatment.
Benefits and risk of ankle fusion
The objective of ankle fusion is to reduce the pain and restore functionality to the damaged ankle. Even though some might be concerned with the loss of motion during fusion, many individuals tend to forget that they already lost range of motion in a severely damaged ankle.
The fusion should last a lifetime unlike with an ankle replacement which wears out at some point. The individual must consider his/her objectives when determining if ankle fusion is the best option.