Ankle fusion surgery involves the fusion of ankle joint bones to form a single structure. This procedure may be recommended in certain cases of end-stage arthritis where non-surgical treatments have not been successful. The main goals of the surgery are to reduce pain and improve the joint’s functionality. However, it is essential to remember that after the procedure, the joint will be fixed in place, resulting in an inability to bend.

Your surgeon will make an incision in your ankle to access the joint and remove the damaged bone and cartilage. Bones are carefully positioned and secured with screws, plates, or other metal implants to promote fusion into a single, combined bone. In selected cases, ankle fusion can be performed using a minimally invasive technique called Arthroscopy (see Ankle arthroscopy).  At the end of the procedure, the wound is closed with sutures(stitches) and a splint/boot is applied.

Ankle arthrodesis is one of the foot and ankle surgeries with the longest recovery time. It is extremely important that you rest and keep your foot elevated for a couple of weeks. You will be non-weight bearing for the first 6-8 weeks, and after this period you will be weight-bearing with a walker/fracture boot unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.                        Patients usually return to their usual activities around 4-6 months after surgery. However, it might take up to 12-18 months for maximum benefits to be achieved.

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a tiny camera and pencil-sized instruments to examine or repair the tissues inside your ankle.

Instruments are inserted through small incisions (portals) which causes less trauma to the skin and soft tissues. Your surgeon uses a special tool called an arthroscope that comes equipped with a camera and sends the image to an external monitor. This allows the surgeon to view the inside of your ankle and make any necessary repairs with the help of other tiny surgical instruments.

Ankle arthroscopy might be recommended for patients experiencing the following ankle problems:

• Cartilage injuries – if you’ve suffered cartilage injuries, a surgeon can diagnose and treat your condition.
• Impingement – tissues in your ankle can become inflamed and painful from overuse. Surgeon can remove the damaged tissue.
• Synovitis – when the lining of the joint becomes inflamed. The damaged tissue can be removed arthroscopically.
• Arthritis – patients with end-stage arthritis may need an ankle fusion. In some cases, ankle fusion can be done by arthroscopy.
• Loose bodies – “loose bodies” refer to fragments of detached cartilage or bone that may be present inside the joint. These fragments can be effectively removed through arthroscopy.
• Unexplained ankle symptoms – during arthroscopy, surgeon may diagnose conditions that were not detected by imaging tests.
• Infection – in certain situations, septic arthritis or joint space infection can be addressed using arthroscopy as a treatment option.

It depends on the type of surgery and your condition. But compared to open surgery, you will experience less pain and faster wound healing. Patients can expect pain and swelling following surgery which can be managed with the elevation of the leg, oral pain medication and cold therapy (ice therapy). Your surgeon will guide you through this process.

Bunion surgery, sometimes called a bunionectomy, is a surgical treatment to correct bunions. The goals are to relieve pain and improve function. Several different techniques can be performed. It may be needed an osteotomy (bone cut) and/or an arthrodesis (joint fusion) to promote realignment of the big toe and implant materials like metal plates, screws and wires can be used.

Weight-bearing will depend on what type of procedure is being done to correct your bunion. Usually, right after the surgical procedure, you will be heel weight-bearing as tolerated. You will wear a splint/boot and may use a walking device for your comfort. You should not drive for about 2 months if your right foot was operated on. If it was your left foot, you can drive as soon as you are comfortable and out of the boot. After 6 to 12 weeks, you will start to regain foot function. Patients usually return to their usual activities around 3 months after surgery.

Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the first MTP joint. There is damage and loss of articular cartilage. It is the most common arthritic condition in the foot and can make walking painful and difficult.

If you still have pain, stiffness or walking is painful after non-operative measures, you are a candidate for surgery.

Several different techniques can be performed, and the surgeon will decide the type of operation based on your case. It may be needed an osteotomy (bone cut), a cheilectomy (bone spurs removal), and/or an arthrodesis (joint fusion). Implant materials like metal plates, screws and wires can be used. It usually takes 1 to 2 hours.                                                  Most of the surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day as the surgery.

Total ankle replacement is a type of joint replacement surgery. It is usually performed as a treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. Also called Total ankle arthroplasty, may be indicated in selected cases, especially when the non-operative treatment has failed. The main goals of ankle replacement surgery are to relieve pain and improve ankle function.

Your surgeon will make an incision in the front of your ankle to access the joint and remove the damaged bone and cartilage. The next step is to replace the damaged parts of your tibia and talus bones with artificial components (prosthetic components) made of metal and plastic. At the end of the procedure, the wound is closed with sutures(stitches) and a splint/boot is applied.

You will be non-weight bearing for the first 2 to 4 weeks, and after this period you will be full or partial weight-bearing, depending on the surgeon’s preference, with a boot unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.                                                  Patients usually return to their usual activities around 3-4 months after surgery. However, it might take up to 12-18 months before engaging in low-impact activities such as swimming, dancing and cycling.

The type of surgery will depend on the location, the amount of damage to the tendon and whether it is an acute or chronic injury.  The surgeon stitches the two ends of the torn tendon back together which can be done with one large incision (open surgery) or a few smaller incisions (percutaneous surgery). If the tendon is badly torn, a tendon transfer may be necessary.                                                                                                                                                                                            Talk to your doctor to determine the best surgical technique for your case.

Immediately after surgery, you will be wearing a cast or splint to keep your foot and ankle immobilized as you heal. After your first postoperative visit, it may be switched to a boot. You will need a walking device (crutches, walker, knee walker, wheelchair, etc) to help you avoid putting weight on your foot. It’s a long rehabilitation process. A physiotherapist can help you strengthen your leg muscles and regain mobility in your ankle. The Physio team will also help you with balance exercises. Daily activities are usually resumed after 4-5 months. Patients usually can return to full activity in 8-12 months.

A broken ankle may require surgery if the ankle is unstable and the broken bone is displaced, or not well aligned.

Your surgeon makes one or two incisions to access your broken bones and put them back in place, that’s called reduction. The broken bones are kept in the right position using specialized metal hardware such as plates, screws, or nails. An X-ray is done to ensure the bones are in the correct position as well as the hardware.  At the end of the surgery, the wound is closed with sutures (stitches) and a cast/splint is applied.

Yes, you will. In the postoperative period, a walking device (crutches, walker, wheelchair, knee scooter) is needed because you will be non-weight-bearing for a few weeks.

Sutures are removed on the first postoperative visit, and you may be placed into a removable boot. It usually takes about six weeks for bones to heal; only after that period will you be allowed to start bearing weight. Physiotherapy will help you strengthen your leg muscles and regain mobility in your ankle.                                                                                                              Patients feel comfortable performing daily activities usually after 4-6 months. However, full recovery can take more than a year after the procedure.