Ankle Fusion Pros and Cons
Ankle arthritis can become an extremely painful medical condition that may require treatment. If non-surgical treatment options, such as physical therapy and pain management techniques to name a few, fail to provide relief, your doctor may recommend surgery as a potential solution.
For patients suffering from persistent ankle pain due to severe ankle arthritis, an option surgeon healthcare providers might recommend is an ankle fusion surgery. There are pros and cons associated with ankle fusion surgery that you will need to consider with your surgeon before deciding whether ankle fusion is right for you.
Pros of Ankle Fusion
Ankle fusion can relieve pain, which is the main benefit of this type of procedure. It may also provide some patients with greater joint stability. Patients may also notice pain relief when standing or walking. It can also improve your ability to complete daily tasks, without having to suffer through the pain associated with ankle arthritis.
Cons of Ankle Fusion
One of the outcomes from ankle fusion surgery is that there can be a loss of range in motion in the ankle joint since two or more ankle bones are fused together during the surgery3. Due to the fusion of the ankle bones, this may limit some activities you were able to perform prior to surgery. As with all surgeries, there is also a potential risk for complications. Consult with your surgeon healthcare provider to learn if ankle fusion is right for you.
Alternative Solution
An additional surgical option your doctor may present to you is a Total Ankle Replacement Surgery or TAR. During a TAR surgical procedure, the arthritic bone surfaces are replaced with implants to promote pain relief and restore joint mobility.
The Paragon 28® APEX 3D™ Total Ankle Replacement System features advanced implant technology that is modeled after healthy, non-arthritic ankles and is designed to help reproduce the natural movement of the ankle. Over a century of clinical experience and biomechanical research have contributed to developing this cutting-edge technology. Download our Patient Brochure to learn more about Total Ankle Replacement and the APEX 3D System.
Important Risk Information
Only a surgeon can tell if the APEX 3D™ Total Ankle Replacement System is right for you. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. Potential risks include but are not limited to infection, discomfort, or swelling due to balancing and introduction of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction. Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
For the contraindications, potential complications and adverse reactions, warnings and precautions associated with this device, please refer to the device specific instructions for use at http://www.paragon28.com/ifus.
For additional information on Paragon 28® and its products please visit www.paragon28.com.
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ankle-fusion
https://os.clinic/treatments/foot-ankle/ankle-fusion-surgery/
https://www.apexankle.com/patients