Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion
Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion
Patients with advanced arthritis of the ankle who have not responded to medication, bracing and weight loss, may require surgical fusion of the ankle. During this operation, the joint surface is removed and the bony surfaces of the tibia and talus are encouraged to heal as if they were a fracture. Normally special screws are passed across the joint to hold it stable while this fusion takes place.
X-ray view of screws across ankle joint following arthroscopic fusionAnkle fusion previously was carried out through large incisions with partial removal of the lower end of the fibula. Now with recent technological advances arthroscopic fusion is can be carried out through 2 small incisions on the outside of the ankle. This has advantages with regards to healing of the skin and soft tissues, less post-operative pain, earlier fusion and weight-bearing earlier. Not every patient with advanced arthritis of the ankle is suitable for an arthroscopic fusion but Dr. Gross can advise if you are a candidate.