Ankle Fusion

The ankle and foot have many articulations that play an important role while standing and walking.  These joints are the first joints to absorb weight as our foot reacts to the ground, and often can experience degenerative changes on their surfaces.  If these changes progress enough, and do not respond to conservative treatments, a surgeon may decide an ankle fusion is appropriate.  A fusion is a surgical procedure that restricts movement within one or more joints to prevent the damaged articular surfaces from rubbing on one another.  A fusion is usually a last resort to help with pain control, and is typically seen within the talocrural or subtalar joints. 

Following surgery there is a period of immobilization and non-weight bearing, while the bone fuse together.  Once your surgeon has released you to physical therapy, we focus on making sure the surrounding joints regain their normal mobility, as well as addressing the soft tissue impairments.  Because we have now lost significant mobility within the fused joint, we will have to work on gait retraining to prevent excessive wear on the non-fused joints.

Associated Symptoms:

  • Ankle/foot pain
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty walking
  • Impaired balance

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