Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion)

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 > Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion)

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause damage to one or more joints.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where there is gradual wear and tear of a joint.

Some other types of arthritis are associated with inflammation of the joints that can eventually lead to severe joint damage.

Arthritis eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint and the bone underneath becomes damaged.

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should get less pain and be able to walk more easily.

Are there any alternatives to ankle arthrodesis?

Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help control the pain of arthritis.

Using a walking stick on the opposite side to the affected ankle can make walking easier. A plastic splint or a stiff ankle boot with a cushioned heel is sometimes helpful. Physiotherapy may help to strengthen weak muscles.

A steroid injection into your ankle joint can sometimes reduce pain and stiffness for several months.

An arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) to clean out your ankle joint can give some relief for 6 to 12 months.

All these measures become less effective if your arthritis gets worse and this is when your surgeon may recommend an ankle arthrodesis.

Some people with ankle arthritis can have an ankle replacement instead of an ankle arthrodesis.

What does the operation involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes.

Your surgeon will remove the damaged joint surfaces. They will fix the bones together with a metal plate, a metal rod, or screws.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after 1 to 2 days.

To start with, spend most of the time with your leg raised on a chair or footstool.

Most people need to have the cast for about 8 to 12 weeks. You will need to use a walking aid until it is removed. Once the cast is removed, regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery, have less pain, and can move about better.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the surgical site (wound)
  • Unsightly scarring of your skin
  • Blood clot in your leg
  • Blood clot in your lung
  • Difficulty passing urine

Specific complications of this operation

  • Damage to nerves around your ankle
  • Breakdown of the skin over your ankle
  • Infection in your ankle
  • Failure of the arthrodesis, where the bones do not join together
  • Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your foot and ankle

*Our fixed-price packages do not include the cost of your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests done at the time. Prices will be confirmed after your first appointment with a consultant specialist.
All prices given are guide prices. Our treatment packages are bespoke, and therefore our private healthcare prices differ from case to case. We will confirm prices in writing before going ahead with any treatment.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

If you have severe arthritis in your ankle, an ankle arthrodesis should reduce your pain and allow you to do more of your normal activities.

What to do next
  1. Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
  2. If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
  3. Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.
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Jade Baker

“Just had a total knee replacement at this fabulous hospital. From the moment you walk through the door you feel at ease. Everyone was so kind and caring. I was very nervous before my operation, but was soon assured everything would be fine. Thank you to all of you I met over my 4 day stay xx.”

Margaret Dawson

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Leanne Helm

“I was discharged last night following an operation on my ankle. All of the staff where polite and extremely attentive. The room was cosy and clean. Every need was catered for. I was really dreading my operation the staff managed to make my stay very pleasant. Best hospital I’ve ever been in and would highly recommend to anyone. Excellent.”

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