What is an ankle arthrodesis?

Ankle arthrodesis, also known as ankle fusion, is a surgical procedure that is done to fuse the bones that form the ankle joint. This is done to relieve pain and improve or maintain function for people who are diagnosed with arthritis. Ankle arthritis is a degenerative medical condition which involves the gradual loss of cartilage that covers the ends of the bones forming the ankle joint. This condition causes inflammation and pain, which may be worse when moving the ankle.

When is an ankle arthrodesis recommended?

Dr Chris Gräbe may recommend ankle arthrodesis if a condition such as ankle arthritis has progressed to a severe stage and conservative treatments have been exhausted. Generally, ankle arthritis is a chronic condition. In some cases, the ankle may lock, making it hard for you to move it. This may be due to a piece of bone trapped in the joint, a complication that requires immediate medical attention. Ankle arthrodesis may also be recommended for the following conditions:

• Tumour resection
• Neuropathic arthropathy, a degenerative joint disorder
• Osteoarthritis
• Pseudarthrosis
• Failed total ankle replacement
• Rheumatoid arthritis with severe deformity

What does an ankle arthrodesis entail?

During the procedure, you will be given a general anaesthesia combined with a nerve block. Dr Gräbe will then make an incision on your ankle through the skin and muscle to access the joint. He will then remove any remaining cartilage from the joint and connect or fuse the bones together with the use of surgical tools such as screws and plates, which help hold the ankle in the correct position. The orthopaedic surgeon may also perform other repairs if needed. He will then staple or stitch closed the layers of skin and muscle.