Treatment Options

The surgical treatment options for end-stage ankle arthritis include

Ankle Fusion (arthrodesis)

In this procedure, the bones of the ankle joint are fused together using screws, plates, or rods. This eliminates the ankle joint and creates a solid bone bridge, which can help relieve pain but sacrifices some ankle mobility.

Total Ankle Replacement (arthroplasty)

This procedure involves removing the damaged bone and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. Ankle replacement surgery aims to alleviate pain while preserving ankle motion, but it’s not suitable for everyone, especially in cases with severe bone loss or deformities.

Arthroscopic debridement

In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to remove loose fragments of bone or cartilage, smooth rough surfaces, or clean out inflamed tissue. This procedure is less invasive and can provide temporary relief for certain mild to moderate cases.

It is important to note that the choice of surgical treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of the arthritis, the patient’s overall health, age, activity level, and personal preferences. Surgeons will assess each case individually to determine the most appropriate surgical option.