Ankle fusion is commonly used for patients with end stage ankle arthritis. It involves removing the remaining cartilage within the ankle and using screws/ plates to allow the two bones to become one.
Pain within the ankle (particularly pain disturbing sleep), reduced walking distance (less than 1km) and swelling are common presentations of ankle arthritis. A history of prior injury or ankle fracture is common in patients who develop ankle arthritis.
The remaining cartilage is removed from the ankle joint until healthy bone is exposed on both sides. Local bone graft is used in cases with cysts, deformity or revision. Screws are used to compress the joint which allows your body to fuse the bones together.