Important Facts You Should Know About Ankle Arthrodesis
Naturally, your bones deteriorate with age. However, developing ankle arthritis causes cartilage degeneration which causes pain that worsens with every movement. Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute specializes in ankle arthrodesis, commonly known as ankle fusion, to fuse your ankle bones, thus reducing pain. During an ankle fusion surgery, your surgeon joins your ankle bones with screws to eliminate pain and removes cartilage at each ankle bone to fuse your bones. Although recovery will take some time, you will have relief from pain and thus can get back to routine activities. Read on to understand more facts about ankle arthrodesis.
What Does Treatment With Ankle Arthrodesis Involve?
Your doctor can recommend this procedure if you have arthritis in your ankles that causes pain in the ankle joints. Treatment with ankle arthrodesis involves joining your ankle bones with screws and plates to eliminate pain in your joints resulting from arthritis. Your doctor will remove the cartilage at the end of each bone and then position them for fusion so they can heal together. You should notice an improvement in ankle pain so you can resume regular activities.
Is There A Difference Between Ankle Arthrodesis and Total Ankle Replacement?
An ankle arthrodesis will convert your stiff, painful ankle to a painless ankle. With ankle arthrodesis, your ankle joints will not move at all. On the other hand, a total ankle replacement removes the damaged parts of your ankle and replaces them with artificial prosthetics. Your ankle joint will be able to retain some range of motion.
What Can You Expect During Your Treatment Session?
Your doctor will put you to sleep with sedatives and make incisions around your ankle. Next, your doctor will remove any cartilage left so the bony surfaces can connect and then hold them in position using metal. Your bones will then easily heal together. Sometimes, your doctor can use a minimally invasive procedure known as an arthroscope. You may need a bone graft to help in fusing the joints. After your surgery, your doctor will use an X-ray to check if your joint is in its correct alignment and that the hardware is in the correct procedure. Lastly, your doctor will close up the incisions with sutures and then place a splint to protect the fused ankle.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
After surgery, you should immediately elevate your fused ankle to reduce swelling. You will also need pain medications to provide relief for a short period. Your bones may take up to 2 months to fuse so you can begin putting weight on your other leg. You will need help around the house, so you only move around a little. After two weeks, your doctor will ask you to go back for a follow-up routine to remove your stitches.
After all nonsurgical options fail to offer the needed relief from ankle arthritis, it is time to consider ankle arthrodesis, otherwise known as ankle fusion. The aching pain from ankle arthritis can hinder several movements and limit the range of motion, which is why this procedure will benefit you. Surgery involves making incisions around your ankle, removing cartilage, and then positioning them so they can fuse as your bones heal. You will experience reduced pain, or the pain will disappear completely after surgery. You can move around more easily and do what you love with no pain.
