Ankle Fusion Vs. Ankle Replacement in Colorado Springs

Welcome to a Medical Minute segment with G. Alex Simpson, DO, Board Certified Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group where he discusses ankle fusion vs. ankle replacement procedures. In this segment Dr. Simpson also discusses injuries that can initiate the onset of arthritis in the ankle.

During an ankle fusion, the surgeon will fuse the ankle bones together disabling movement within the joint. The goal of this procedure is to decrease pain within the joint. Alternatively, an ankle replacement replaces the tibiotalar joint (ankle joint) where your shinbone (tibia) sits on top of your foot bone (talus). This procedure does allow for movement within the joint after surgery.

Both Ankle Fusions and Ankle Replacements can be used to treat ankle arthritis.

What to Expect

After discussing symptoms and reviewing diagnostic imaging, your physician will work with you to develop a detailed treatment plan comprised of the most efficient treatment method to fit your needs. The right treatment typically varies upon:

• your natural anatomical bone placement
• your body’s natural movement translation within the joint
• quality of bone density
• your routine physical activity habits.

For those not eligible for a replacement, an ankle fusion remains a great treatment option for ankle arthritis.

Some examples of injuries that may lead to the onset of ankle arthritis include:

• a bad ankle sprain that was never been treated
• an ankle break where the bones are out of position for any period of time and where they may have healed in an abnormal way.