Ankle Fusion Vs. Ankle Replacement

If severe ankle injury is affecting your quality of life, then an ankle fusion or ankle replacement may be an option to relieve pain. The ankle is an important joint that helps you bear weight and absorbs impact. Surgery for an ankle injury can help reduce pain and restore your mobility.

Definition

• Ankle fusion is a treatment where part of a damaged bone is removed and then a metal plate and screws are put inside to hold the joint together while the bone fuses together.An ankle replacement also replaces the three damaged bones in the ankle joint, but an artificial joint is used to replace your bone.

Consideration

• Ankle replacement is often a preferred procedure rather than ankle fusion because the fusion can decrease ankle mobility. Replacement surgery often involves some failure, as the replaced ankle joint can weaken or become damaged and require further surgery.

Significance

• Ankle replacement and ankle fusion are performed when medication fails to reduce pain, or the damage to the ankle is permanent.

Recovery

• The recovery time for ankle replacement is approximately three months and will involve the use of crutches or a walker for several weeks. Ankle fusion recovery also involves several weeks without bearing weight on the affected ankle. Complete recovery can take several months to a year when the ankle is fused.

Alternatives

• There are some nonsurgical treatments to ankle fusion and replacement, including the use of medication, custom shoes, braces, physical therapy and weight changes.