When to Consider Ankle Fusion
Ankle fusion is a surgical procedure where the ankle bones are fused into one piece. In the majority of cases, ankle fusion is performed to treat arthritis in the ankle when the condition no longer responds to conservative treatment.
But is ankle fusion the best option for you? Here’s when to consult with an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon about your condition.
Ankle Arthritis and Ankle Fusion
There are three types of arthritis that affect the ankle:
Osteoarthritis: Occurs when cartilage in the ankle joint has worn away, causing bone to rub against bone.
Rheumatoid: An autoimmune disease where the body attacks the tissue lining inside the joint.
Post-Traumatic: Arthritis that occurs due to a past injury to the ankle, such as a fracture or severe sprain.
Arthritis is a degenerative condition, meaning it will worsen over time. Although ankle arthritis cannot be cured, its painful symptoms can be managed with conservative treatment methods.
At his practice at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, Dr. Elton will attempt the following strategies before recommending surgery:
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Braces
Shoe inserts
Physical therapy
Steroid injections
However, when these treatment options no longer help with the pain, swelling, and inflammation or your arthritis has progressed to the point where it’s impacting your daily activities, Dr. Elton may recommend ankle fusion as a surgical intervention.
Ankle Fusion vs. Ankle Replacement
There are two main options for surgically treating ankle arthritis:
Ankle Fusion
Ankle Replacement
An ankle fusion surgery fuses the bones in the ankle joint together. This resolves the pain and swelling but limits the ankle’s range of motion. A total ankle replacement replaces the damaged bone and cartilage in the joint with an implant. Ankle replacement surgery leaves the ankle with more flexibility, but the implant may wear out over time.
The benefits of total ankle replacement over ankle fusion are:
Better for people with active lifestyles
Faster recovery time
Preservation of motion
Higher patient satisfaction
However, sometimes ankle replacement is not an option. Dr. Elton may recommend a fusion over a replacement in the following situations:
The patient has nerve damage
There’s a medical history of infection, diabetes, or avascular necrosis
Pain relief is the patient’s number one priority
The patient is under the age of sixty
Both surgical procedures eliminate pain and improve the patient’s quality of life. Dr. Elton will work with you to design a plan that fits your lifestyle, medical history, and activity level.
Find Out If Ankle Fusion Is Right For You!
Considering ankle fusion? Contact Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today. As the go-to ankle expert in the High Rockies, Dr. Elton routinely performs total ankle replacements and ankle fusions, meaning he can recommend the correct surgical procedure for you.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Elton by calling (970) 476-7220 or through his online contact form. Get back on your feet — pain-free!