Ankle Replacement Vs Fusion 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 replacement vs fusion 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 arthritis in the ankle.
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.
- 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.
How We Can Help
At CSOG, we offer a wide variety of services that can help patients accelerate their recovery processes. At both locations, our Audubon Orthotic and Prosthetic Services team can custom fit you to any necessary braces, orthotics, or stability boots. We also offer injection therapies, such as cortisone injections and in-house physical therapy services as conservative treatment options. These conservative options, specifically physical therapy, can help delay the onset of arthritis in the ankle as well as help accelerate your rehabilitation post-surgery.
If you're curious as to which procedure, an ankle replacement or ankle fusion, is best for you, give us a call at 719-632-7669 today to schedule a consultation with one of our Foot and Ankle Specialists.
Visit the CSOG Foot and Ankle Center to learn more.