Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion)

Ankle arthrodesis fuses ankle bones to relieve pain, improve joint stability, correct deformity, and restore reliable long-term function.

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Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion) Services

Comprehensive Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion) care with advanced monitoring and safety protocols

Ankle Arthrodesis

Chronic ankle pain and instability can severely affect everyday movement and independence. When conditions like advanced arthritis, old injuries, or poorly healed fractures damage the ankle joint, non-surgical treatments may no longer help. In such cases, ankle arthrodesis in Chennai is often recommended as a dependable surgical solution. This procedure fuses the ankle bones into a single stable unit, stopping painful motion. As a result, patients experience long-term pain relief and improved stability for daily activities.

What Is Ankle Arthrodesis?

The ankle joint is formed where the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) meet the talus (ankle bone). It is primarily responsible for allowing the foot to move up and down. Over time, arthritis, trauma, or repeated injuries can cause severe joint degeneration, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain.

Ankle arthrodesis involves surgically removing the damaged cartilage and preparing the bone surfaces, which are then fused together using metal plates, screws, or rods. Once healing is complete, the tibia, fibula, and talus form a single bone, eliminating motion at the ankle joint but significantly reducing or eliminating pain.

When Is Ankle Arthrodesis Recommended?

This surgery is generally considered when:

Severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affects the ankle.
Post-traumatic arthritis develops after fractures or injuries.
Previous treatments such as injections, medications, or physical therapy fail.
Chronic ankle instability makes walking or standing difficult.
Patients are not suitable candidates for ankle replacement due to bone quality or activity level.

The Ankle Arthrodesis Procedure

Preparation and Anesthesia – The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
Removal of Damaged Surfaces – The surgeon removes the worn cartilage and prepares the bones for fusion.
Fixation – Screws, plates, or rods are used to hold the tibia, fibula, and talus in place.
Bone Fusion – Over time, the bones grow together, creating a stable, single bone structure.

The operation may be performed using an open or minimally invasive approach, depending on the severity of the damage.

https://youtu.be/JXTyYbTRGv0?si=b0qPJrvan6PIBC2c

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from ankle fusion requires patience and adherence to rehabilitation guidelines:

Immobilization – The ankle is usually placed in a cast or walking boot.
Weight Bearing – Patients typically avoid putting weight on the ankle for 6–12 weeks, using crutches during this phase.
Bone Healing – Fusion may take several months, depending on bone quality and overall health.
Rehabilitation – Physiotherapy helps strengthen surrounding muscles and improve gait.

While the ankle loses its up-and-down motion, surrounding joints in the foot often compensate, allowing patients to walk more comfortably than before surgery.

Benefits of Ankle Arthrodesis

Provides long-term relief from chronic ankle pain.
Restores stability, making walking and standing easier.
Improves overall function and quality of life.
Reliable results, especially for patients with severe arthritis or joint damage.

Conclusion

Ankle arthrodesis is a proven surgical option for patients struggling with severe ankle arthritis, instability, or non-healing fractures. Under the care of Dr. Vijay Sohanlal, best Orthopedic surgeon, knee and hip replacement specialist in Chennai, ankle arthrodesis in Chennai offers lasting pain relief and strong joint stability. Although ankle movement is reduced, the procedure greatly improves walking comfort by eliminating pain. With proper rehabilitation, patients can regain confidence and mobility for an active life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion) and our services

Ankle fusion, or arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure where the bones of the ankle joint are permanently joined to eliminate movement. It is usually done to relieve severe pain caused by arthritis, deformity, or injury. The procedure stabilizes the joint, reduces pain, and allows patients to bear weight, but it limits ankle mobility permanently.

Yes, you can walk after an ankle fusion, but “normal” movement is slightly altered. Most patients regain a stable, pain-free gait, but the ankle cannot flex or rotate. To compensate, the foot, knee, and hip adjust their motion. Walking on uneven surfaces or running may be difficult, but daily activities are usually manageable after proper rehabilitation.

Ankle fusion reduces pain but comes with limitations. Loss of joint mobility can affect walking, running, and climbing stairs. Adjacent joints may experience increased stress, leading to arthritis over time. Recovery is slower compared to joint replacement, and permanent stiffness is expected. High-impact activities and sports may be restricted, and some patients may require adaptive footwear or orthotics.

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