top of page
Complex Ankle Fusion
When ankle replacement fails or is not an option, an ankle fusion may be the best course of action. Many of these fusions are not one-dimensional issues and require multiple courses of action
Initial Visit
This patient came to Dr. Fragomen with a collapsed Talus bone, essentially destroying their ankle.
Due to the severity of the trauma, an ankle fusion was deemed to be the best option.
However, the treatment would inherently result in a limb length discrepancy.
Post-Op
An external fixator was used for the fusion and a limb lengthening nail was inserted into the tibia.
The fixator went to work straightening the foot and fusing the ankle while the leg was lengthened to the desired length over time.
Second Surgery
Once the ankle was fully fused and the foot straight, the fixator was removed.
The limb lengthening nail remained as the osteotomy site consolidated.
Recovery
Eventually, the tibia was strong enough to remove the lengthening nail and the patient was free from most of the hardware.
Typically, a leg with an ankle fusion is left several millimeters shorter to achieve better walking
bottom of page