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Painful joints can truly lessen one’s quality of life, and when that pain is not alleviated through non-invasive means, the patient may be facing the decision to undergo surgery.
Painful joints can truly lessen one’s quality of life, and when that pain is not alleviated through non-invasive means, the patient may be facing the decision to undergo surgery.
In the case of an ankle joint, when pain, deformities or immobility persist and do not respond to medicinal or therapeutic measures, ankle fusion surgery may be an option.
According to www.myanklereplacement.com, ankle fusion surgery dates back to the end of the 19th century. Doctors can use a variety of technologies with the desired result being freedom from pain and regained stability.
For a patient to even be considered for such surgery, they must present with persistent ankle joint pain and a stiffness that does not allow for normal functioning. These conditions have not responded to typical non-surgical applications. Such non-invasive approaches might include the prescription of anti-inflammatory medications, custom-made shoes and shoe inserts, physical therapy, and certain steroid injections.
Among the contributing factors to ankle joint pain is arthritis. In the ankle joint, arthritis can completely erode the cartilage that protects it. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and immobility of the ankle. The end result can produce limitations on one’s daily activities.
According to the ankle replacement Web site, in primary ankle fusion procedures, the ankle joint is removed. This allows the tibia to grow together, or fuse with, the talus bone, which is the first large bone of the foot. A variety of pins, plates, rods, and screws are inserted through the bones to hold them together until they properly fuse and heal.
Ankle fusion surgery is noted to be quite durable, and once the joints have completely fused together, most patients can walk and move around without pain. However, the ankle does become stiff post-surgery and this leads to decreased mobility of the joint. The patient may have some downward movement, but upward movement is not possible. As such, other foot joints need to move more than before, which can produce more stress to those areas.
Another alternative is ankle replacement surgery, which is most typically seen in patients around the age of 60. Of course, there are those individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who may undergo such a procedure if their symptoms and conditions meet the criteria for the procedure.
There are many types of implants used in ankle replacement surgery. Some have been around for years, while others have just recently been introduced. While most of the replacement modules can provide good results on a short-term scale, the concern rests with how long the implant will last. The implants that have been used for years will have a better track record in terms of their sustainability, and any associated problems have most likely been addressed to improve their quality. In either case, the physician will discuss all available options with the patient.
The big question presented is “Can I have an ankle replacement surgery in the same ankle that has been fused?” According to the experts at www.myanklereplacement.com, it can be accomplished, but not in every case. In instances where the ankle has fused on its own, the anatomy still remains wherein the replacement ankle can be inserted without too much trouble. If the ankle has been surgically fused, it will all depend upon the type of technique used to do that procedure. The Web site notes that if the small bone or the tibia was used in the fusion procedure, than an implant cannot be inserted. If the small bone was not used and the fused position is in great condition, then it can usually be taken down and prepared for the replacement. It is imperative, however, that the attending physician discusses all possible risks with the patient. As with any surgical procedure, the end results differ on a case-by-case basis.
To learn more about ankle fusion surgery and ankle replacement surgery, the procedures themselves, and the post-operative treatment options, please visit www.myanklereplacement.com. Be sure to share your questions and concerns with your physician.
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I had the ankle fusion performed july 09 .. I am a 57 year old active male who now has to have it done again in 12/09.. if you have it done stay off it I waited 90 days to weight bearing and it loosened up..
November 12, 2009 - 10:39amThis Comment