What is Ankle Fusion?
Fusion of the ankle joint, or arthrodesis, is one of the options available to people who suffer from end-stage ankle arthritis. End-stage ankle arthritis progresses when the protective cartilage wears down, which may increase inflammation in the ankle joints. When cartilage thins out or disappears entirely, bone-on-bone friction occurs which may result in a significant amount of pain.
In some cases, the pain and stiffness may be so constant and severe that the patient has extreme trouble moving around. By the time someone reaches this stage, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may not help as the inflammation has simply become too severe and the pain too great.
Ankle fusion surgery
One option to address this disease state is to undergo ankle fusion surgery. The goal of an ankle fusion is to completely fuse the bones of the patient's ankle to alleviate the severe pain. Patients undergoing this operation will need approximately three to six months for ankle fusion recovery based on your surgeon’s recommendations.
Although ankle fusions can be effective at relieving pain, it can also reduce range of motion for the patient. It's best to discuss this option with your orthopedic surgeon, so you're aware of all the potential post-operative expectations and results. This has been a successful option for people with end-stage ankle arthritis, because the goal is to relieve pain caused by the ankle bones grinding against each other.
An alternative procedure
Recently, however, an alternative treatment has emerged for end-stage ankle arthritis. The APEX 3D™ Total Ankle Replacement System is based on years of research and development, and it involves replacing the damaged bones of the ankle with artificial components. It has been modeled after the natural anatomy of the body and is designed to allow for natural motion of the ankle.
A key feature of the system is that it replaces the joint with implants to not only reduce pain, but it also restores mobility so that the patient can once again enjoy a normal lifestyle. Because of this, the APEX 3D™ Total Ankle Replacement System is considered a reasonable option for treating end-stage ankle arthritis.
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://www.dukehealth.org/blog/ankle-fusion-or-ankle-replacement
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-an-ankle-fusion-189965
https://www.apexankle.com/patients
https://www.hss.edu/conditions_ankle-arthritis-total-ankle-replacement.asp