Using Knee Replacement Techniques to Avoid Fusing the Ankle

Everyone at some point is likely to have problems with their ankles. Unfortunately, as we age, these problems can mean arthritis of foot and ankle, dramatically affecting the quality of life. Arthritis in the ankle is traditionally treated with arthrodesis or ankle fusion. While this is somewhat effective, it can promote arthritis in other neighboring joints. Fused bones can also be difficult to walk on as the range of motion is greatly decreased. Because of this some doctors now prefer a method of arthroplasty of ankle-ankle replacement.

Recent studies regarding arthroplasty of ankle surgeries on sufferers of arthritis of foot and ankle seem promising. In a database of over five thousand patients who underwent either arthrodesis (4705) verses arthroplasty (480) there was a significant difference in diabetes complications after surgery - 4% of the arthrodesis patients and 0% of the arthroplasty patients. It should also be noted that those opting for the replacement surgery were of a higher median income than those opting for the fusion method. A complication found in both groups was pulmonary embolism or a clot in the lungs, which needed additional surgery. Patients who needed additional surgery also had a higher rate of ankle infection, noted in both groups. Only a small percentage of patients with ankle fusions resulted in acute infection and required below the knee amputation.

In the long term, 2.8% of the patients diagnosed with arthritis of foot and ankle who underwent ankle fusions suffered a subtalar fusion or the fusion of another neighboring joint. Less than 1% of those with ankle replacements suffered the same. Twenty-three percent of the replacement patients underwent a revision to the original surgery within 5 years, while only 11 percent of the fusion group did the same for the same period. While arthroplasty of ankle (replacement surgery) seems to have fewer problems with fusion of neighboring joints, there does appear to be a higher rate of need for revision surgery than there is with arthrodesis (ankle fusion).

If you suffer from arthritis of foot and ankle and it is interfering with your mobility and quality of life you might want to consider surgery such as arthroplasty of ankle. Advancements in knee replacement surgery have led to better chances of success in ankle replacements. Of course, the physical state of your ankle(s) as well as your overall health will have a bearing on which method is best for you. Consult your doctor for any recent developments.