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Fusion of the Right Ankle Talus Surgery Recovery

If you experience pain in your right ankle because of arthritis in the joint or from damage caused by an injury, fusion surgery could bring you relief. Your doctor will discuss your recovery and let you know what to expect.

  1. Ankle Fusion

    • During ankle fusion surgery, your doctor fuses your tibia with the talus bone. She removes cartilage in the joint between the two bones, then replaces it with a bone graft. She uses metals screws or rods to hold the bones in place so they can heal together.

    Immediate Recovery

    • Your right ankle could remain numb for over twenty-four hours after surgery, so you will need help getting home from the hospital. Elevating your right ankle will help reduce swelling and pain. Pain medication will help with discomfort.

    Incision

    • According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, you need to keep the dressings covering your surgical incision dry. The stitches will be removed one or two weeks after surgery and you will be fitted with a cast.

    Casts

    • For six weeks after your cast goes on, you will not be able to put any weight on your ankle. If you are healing well, you will then be able to gradually put weight on your ankle over the course of the next six weeks.

    Considerations

    • Because talus fusion surgery will reduce the up-and-down motion range for the back of your foot, you could need orthotics to help you walk comfortably and be able to drive. It is normal for your ankle to remain swollen up to a year after your surgery takes place, says Georgetown University Hospital.

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