Difference Between Ankle Takedown and Ankle Arthrodesis

Q: What’s the difference between an ankle takedown and an ankle arthrodesis? My husband’s surgeon mentioned both when discussing surgery for his severe ankle arthritis.

A: Ankle arthrodesis refers to the fusion of a joint. In this procedure, a bone graft is typically used around the joint to hold it in place and prevent movement. Over time, the bone graft helps the joint fuse together as new bone fills in around the grafted area, resulting in a solid, immobile joint.

On the other hand, an ankle takedown is a procedure used to convert a previously fused joint back into a movable one. This involves using a specialized joint implant to restore ankle motion. One of the most successful implants for this purpose is the Agility total ankle, which is manufactured in the United States.

The takedown procedure is relatively new in the U.S., and both arthrodesis and takedown surgeries come with their own set of challenges. Doctors are continually working to refine these operations, as each has its specific applications depending on the patient’s condition and needs.

Reference: Justin Greisberg, MD, et al. Takedown of Ankle Fusion and Conversion to Total Ankle Replacement. In Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, July 2004, Vol. 424, Pp. 80-88.