Ankle Fusion Operation
Ankle Fusion Operation
What is it:

The ankle fusion surgery is sometimes performed once a patient’s ankle point has become worn and painful that may be a condition that's called osteoarthritis. Once associate ankle is consolidated the surface of the ankle is removed so as to promote fusion between the ankle’s tibia and also the ankle’s talus. It refers to the two bones growing and coming back along. Ankle fusion is nice for treating a patient whose ankle has become exhausted; particularly a patient who is active and young. This surgery is often quite successful. Most ankle fusions done at Emory are performed with surgical operation and tiny incisions that is cosmetically pleasing. A really tiny proportion of patients have issues with wound healing. These issues may be addressed by bracing or further surgery. The most important semi permanent downside with fusion is that the development of inflammatory disease at the joints adjacent to those amalgamated. This happens from enlarged stresses applied to the adjacent joints

Before the operation:
  • You would like to know the maximum amount concerning the procedure as potential. If you have got issues or queries, you must talk to your operating surgeon
  • Once you choose on surgery, you would like to require many steps. Your operating surgeon could recommend a whole physical examination by your regular doctor. This communicating helps to make sure that you're within the absolute best condition to endure the operation
  • On the day of your surgery, you'll most likely be admitted to the hospital early within the morning. You shouldn’t eat or drink anything after midnight
  • You'll got to stay till your medical condition has stabilized and you'll be able to safely use crutches or a walker
  • Talk to your doctor regarding any issues you've got relating to the requirement for this operation, its risks, how it'll be done or what the results can mean
The operation:
  • The main aim of the operation is to prevent the pain in your mortise joint. The ankle is created fully stiff however you'll still be able to move the joint below the mortise joint and therefore the joints within the foot
  • This operation is termed either a fusion of the mortise joint or arthrodesis. You'll be given an anesthetic and can be asleep for the complete operation. One or two cuts are going to be remodeled your ankle
  • The broken joint surfaces of your ankle are going to be removed. A separate cut are going to be remodeled the rim of your girdle bone. Thus bone can be taken from your pelvis and accustomed fill any gaps between the bones in your ankle
  • The bones might then be control beside screws. A bandage can then be placed on up to your thigh. Typically an external fixator is employed rather than screws and a plaster
  • An external fixator could be a frame that's fastened to the skin of your leg, on top of and below your ankle. The skin can then be closed up with stitches. A fine plastic tube drain runs from the wound through the skin
  • This is to empty any residual blood or alternative fluid from the area of the operation. You'll be in hospital for 3 to 5 days following your operation. You'll be allowed to travel home once you will walk safely with crutches
After the operation:
  • Foot and ankle joint surgery may be painful. Your orthopedic surgeon can visit pain medication. It's vital to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Rest, keeping the foot elevated and not putts weight on the foot are crucial to your correct healing and recovery
  • Your orthopedic can suggest physiotherapy once it's safe to place weight on your foot. Doctor can assist you to regain strength in your foot or gliding joint and restore vary of motion
  • Patients will typically come back to traditional daily activities in three to four months. Full recovery takes four to nine months reckoning on the severity of your condition before surgery and therefore the complexness of your procedure
Any alternatives:
  • Pain management is often through with pain medication and anti inflammatory medications. The doctor may attempt serving to the pain with injections to the joint. There are bound forms of therapy that the doctor could suggest too before deciding to resort to surgery
Possible complications:
  • There are complications that relate to surgery generally. These embrace the risks related to anesthesia, infection, harm to nerves and blood vessels and hurt or blood clots
  • A specific risk related to gliding joint arthrodesis is nonunion. This can be failure of the gliding joint bones to fuse along. The gliding joint bones with success fuse in more than 90 % of operations, therefore the risk is comparatively low. If nonunion will occur, a second operation to position bone graft within the ankle joint and place new hardware could also be required