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Benefits of Ankle Fusion for Arthritis

I’m 43 and planning to undergo ankle fusion on my left ankle due to severe arthritis from an old injury. What should I expect in the future after the surgery?

Ankle fusion has become a common procedure for treating advanced arthritis in younger adults. It helps save the ankle joint and maintain some level of function, often referred to as a “salvage procedure.”

The long-term effects of ankle fusion are still being studied, but ongoing research aims to track patients over many years. A recent study followed patients for about three to four years, comparing their outcomes with a control group of healthy adults with no ankle issues.

Most patients in the fusion group reported satisfaction with the surgery and said they would choose to undergo it again if needed. The biggest benefit was pain relief. While patients were able to walk without the use of crutches, canes, or other aids, their walking speed was slower and their steps were shorter compared to the control group.

One potential downside is the risk of developing arthritis in other parts of the foot and ankle over time. Your surgeon will keep an eye on this, and additional surgery may be necessary in the future.

Reference: Rhys Thomas, FRCS (ORTH), et al. Gait Analysis and Functional Outcomes Following Ankle Arthrodesis for Isolated Ankle Arthritis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. March 2006. Vol. 88-A, No. 3, pp. 526-535.