Ankle arthrodesis
Ankle Arthrodesis Procedure: Medical Overview and Steps
Ankle arthrodesis, also known as ankle fusion, is a surgical procedure that involves the fusion of the bones of the ankle joint. This procedure is performed to address severe pain, instability, and deformities caused by conditions such as arthritis, traumatic injuries, or failed previous surgeries. Ankle arthrodesis eliminates motion in the ankle joint, which can alleviate pain while sacrificing joint flexibility.
Procedure Steps:
Preoperative Assessment: Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies (such as X-rays and MRI scans) to assess the condition of the ankle joint.
Informed Consent: The patient is provided with detailed information about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. Informed consent is obtained, ensuring the patient’s understanding and agreement.
Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia, ensuring they are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
Surgical Approach: The surgeon makes an incision on the front or side of the ankle, providing access to the joint.
Joint Preparation: The cartilage and damaged bone surfaces of the ankle joint are carefully removed using surgical tools. The goal is to create flat surfaces that will facilitate the fusion of the bones.
Bone Fusion: The surgeon aligns the bones in the desired position for fusion and stabilizes them using screws, plates, rods, or other fixation devices. Bone graft material may be used to promote bone healing and fusion.
Closure: The incision is closed using sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Recovery and Immobilization: Following surgery, the patient’s ankle is immobilized using a cast, brace, or external fixator to allow the bones to fuse. Non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing may be recommended during the initial healing period.
Rehabilitation: After the initial healing, a physical therapy program is initiated to restore strength, mobility, and function to the surrounding muscles and joints. Gradual weight-bearing is introduced based on the surgeon’s guidance.
References:
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. (2021). Ankle Fusion. Retrieved from https://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/treatments/Pages/Ankle-Fusion.aspx
OrthoInfo. (2021). Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis). Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/ankle-fusion-arthrodesis/
New England Journal of Medicine. (2019). Arthrodesis of the Ankle and Subtalar Joint. In Rockwood and Green’s Fractures in Adults (9th ed., pp. 3234-3248). Wolters Kluwer.
Foot and Ankle Surgery. (2016). Clinical Practice Guideline: The Use of Subtalar and Talonavicular Joint Arthroereisis in the Pediatric Flatfoot. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4877595/
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. (2017). Surgical Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/jorthotrauma/Fulltext/2017/08001/Surgical_Treatment_of_Ankle_Osteoarthritis_.22.aspx
Please note that the specifics of ankle arthrodesis procedures may vary based on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s approach. Always consult with qualified orthopedic surgeons and healthcare professionals for personalized advice and information regarding ankle fusion procedures.
Below are 8 Orthopaedic Surgeons that can assist with Ankle Arthrodesis Medical Procedure
Dr Chris Gräbe
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:012 348 5410/1
- Email:Email on Website form
Dr Jan Heymans
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:(012) 3303 068
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Chris Narramore
Orthopedic ankle & shoulder specialist
- Phone:+27 21 762 5228
- Email:[email protected]
Dr George O. Oduah
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:067 861 8796
- Email:Website form
Dr David North
Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
- Phone:079 250 2890
- Email:[email protected]
Dr. Johan Prins
Orthopaedic Specialists
- Phone:(012) 460 4744
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Lipalo Mokete
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:+27 11 458 2137
- Email:Website form
Dr Chris McCready
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:011 647 3571
- Email:[email protected]
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