Browse verified doctors or let our care team help you find the doctor best suited to your condition, treatment goals, and budget.
Johannesburg, South Africa
| Speciality | Orthopedics |
| Procedure | Ankle Fusion Surgery |
| Success Rate | 85-95% |
| Recovery Time | 3-6 months |
| Treatment Time | 1-3 hours |
| Chances of Recurrence | Low |
Ankle Fusion Surgery, also known as ankle arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that aims to treat severe ankle joint pain and dysfunction by permanently fusing the bones of the ankle joint together. During the surgery, the damaged cartilage in the ankle joint is removed, and the bones are held in a fixed position using metal plates, screws, or rods to allow them to grow together and form a solid union.
Ankle fusion surgery can be performed to treat medical conditions like severe Arthritis, advanced cases of osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis that cause significant pain and limited mobility in the ankle joint. The surgery is also recommended for severe ankle fractures that cannot be stabilized through other methods and lead to chronic pain and instability. In cases of Ankle Joint instability, chronic ligament damage, or other structural issues that can cause recurrent ankle sprains and instability, ankle fusion is recommended.
The recovery process after Ankle Fusion Surgery may take up to 8- 10 weeks. Patients typically need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. The ankle is placed in a cast or a special boot to keep it immobilized during the initial healing period, usually about 6 to 8 weeks. Once the bone begins to fuse, patients will start physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve mobility. Over time, it is recommended to gradually put more weight on the operated ankle as the fusion becomes more stable. The long-term recovery may involve doctor follow-ups to ensure proper healing.
A procedure that fuses the ankle joint bones to reduce discomfort and increase stability, especially in cases of severe arthritis or trauma. By permanently uniting the talus and tibia bones, the procedure reduces bone-on-bone friction pain by removing joint movement.
