Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis)

Ankle fusion surgery, or ankle arthrodesis, is a procedure in which the bones that comprise the ankle joint are fused together to alleviate severe arthritis pain. If you are experiencing ongoing pain in your ankle(s) and non-surgical treatment options haven’t provided effective relief, it may be time to consider ankle fusion (arthrodesis) surgery.

What is Ankle Fusion Surgery

Ankle fusion surgery is never a first-line treatment for arthritis pain but can improve quality of life and offer a return to physical activity for patients who have exhausted less invasive options without success. The procedure can be used to treat various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis), post-traumatic arthritis (arthritis that develops as the result of an injury to the ankle joint), or rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease).

The goal of ankle arthrodesis surgery is to reduce or eliminate pain altogether and allow for improved activity by fusing together the bones of the ankle joint. The surgery does decrease motion in the ankle joint but can still be a highly viable solution for many patients.

Anatomy of the Ankle Joint

The ankle joint is the synovial joint that connects the foot with the lower leg. Though it is often referred to as a single joint, the ankle joint is actually composed of two separate joints: The true ankle joint (which is made up of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones) and the subtalar joint (which is composed of the talus and the calcaneus, or heel bone).

Cartilage in a healthy ankle joint allows the bones to articulate smoothly and painlessly with virtually no friction. When arthritis breaks down or damages this cartilage, pain, inflammation, and stiffness can occur.

Indications for Ankle Fusion Surgery

Ankle fusion surgery may be indicated in patients with ankle arthritis if:

Diagnostic Procedures for Evaluating Ankle Conditions

Your surgeon will evaluate your ankle by performing a physical examination and taking a detailed medical history, including information about any unsuccessful treatments that have been tried. They may also order further diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

The Ankle Fusion Surgical Process

Ankle arthrodesis surgery takes place under general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthetic. In some cases, the procedure may be performed arthroscopically (via the placement of a camera and tools into the ankle joint through small incisions). In others, an open surgical procedure may be optimal.

Your surgeon will make incisions around the ankle to access the joint and will remove any remaining cartilage so that the affected ankle bones are in direct contact with one another. Next, hardware will be placed to hold the bones together permanently and promote organic fusion. Depending on the circumstances, a bone graft may also be used to aid the fusion process.

Frequently Asked Questions