Ankle Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion Surgery) in Ludhiana, Punjab
Ankle fusion surgery for severe ankle arthritis, deformity and failed ankle surgeries, planned after clinical evaluation at Eva Hospital, Ludhiana
Signs That May Need Evaluation
- If every step hurts.
- If your ankle remains swollen months or years after an injury.
- If climbing stairs has become difficult
- f previous fracture surgery has left you with persistent pain.
- If medicines, injections and physiotherapy no longer provide relief.
Ankle arthrodesis is one of the surgical options for severe ankle arthritis. Suitability is decided after clinical evaluation
What Is Ankle Arthrodesis?
Ankle arthrodesis, commonly called ankle fusion, is a surgery that permanently joins the shin bone (tibia) to the ankle bone (talus) into a single, solid bone.
During surgery, the remaining damaged cartilage is removed from both sides of the joint, exposing healthy bone. The two bones are then compressed together, usually with screws or a plate, and held in this position while they heal together — much like a fracture heals.
Once fused, the ankle joint itself no longer moves. Pain is usually reduced because the painful movement no longer occurs. Results vary. The surrounding joints of the foot — the subtalar and midfoot joints — gradually compensate to allow a reasonably natural walking pattern.
Ankle Fusion vs Ankle Replacement
| Factor | Favours Fusion | Favours Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Younger patients | Older, lower-demand patients |
| Activity Level | Heavy labour or very active lifestyle | Lower-demand daily activity |
| Deformity | Severe ankle deformity | Well-aligned, less deformed joint |
| Arthritis Cause | Post-traumatic arthritis | Primary or inflammatory arthritis in a stable joint |
| Infection History | Previous infection | No history of infection |
| Bone Quality | Poor bone quality | Good bone quality |
| Previous Surgery | Failed ankle replacement | No prior ankle surgery |
| Body Weight | Higher BMI | Lower BMI |
Causes of Ankle Arthritis
Previous Ankle Fracture
Road Traffic Accident
Repeated Sports Injuries
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Severe Instability
AVN of the Talus
Failed Ankle Surgery
Infection
Symptoms
Pain while walking
Night pain
Swelling
Difficulty standing
Reduced walking distance
Limp
Difficulty climbing stairs
Deformity
Conservative Treatment
Physiotherapy
Weight reduction
Footwear modification
Braces
NSAIDs
Activity modification
PRP (limited role)
Steroid injection
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Failed ligament reconstruction
Post-traumatic arthritis
Pain affecting daily life
Failed ankle replacement
End-stage arthritis
Nonunion
Chronic instability
Severe deformity
Malunion
Surgical Technique
Imaging and deformity assessment help the surgical team plan the appropriate approach and fixation strategy.
Regional anaesthesia may be selected by the anaesthesia team based on the individual patient's needs and surgical plan.
A carefully planned incision is made according to the selected surgical approach to access the ankle joint.
Damaged cartilage is removed from the joint surfaces to expose healthy bone and prepare the joint for fusion.
Angular or rotational deformity is corrected to restore appropriate alignment before the joint is fixed.
Bone graft may be used when required to fill bone defects and support the fusion process.
Compression screws bring the prepared joint surfaces together and help maintain stability during healing.
A plate may be added when additional fixation and stability are required for the individual patient.
Live X-ray imaging is used during surgery to confirm joint alignment and placement of the fixation.
Once alignment and fixation are confirmed, the incision is carefully closed in layers.
A protective cast is applied to support the ankle and protect the fusion during the early healing period.
Open vs Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion
Open Ankle Fusion
- Direct visualisation of the whole joint
- Allows correction of significant deformity
- Suited to complex bone loss or revision cases
Disadvantages
- Larger incision
- More soft-tissue disruption
- Potentially longer wound healing
Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion
- Smaller incisions
- Less soft-tissue disruption
- Potentially faster union in suitable cases
Disadvantages
- Technically demanding
- Not suitable for significant deformity or major bone loss
- Limited ability to correct complex malalignment
Bone Grafts
Autograft
Allograft
Bone Substitutes
Recovery Timeline
| Time | Table of Milestone |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Hospital stay, pain control and initial mobilisation with protection. |
| 2 Weeks | Suture removal and wound check. |
| 6 Weeks | X-rays to assess early healing progress. |
| 8–10 Weeks | Partial weight bearing begins, guided by healing on imaging. |
| 10–12 Weeks | Progressive walking as fusion continues to consolidate. |
| 4–6 Months | Fusion is typically complete on imaging in most patients. |
| 6–12 Months | Maximum functional improvement. |
Timelines are indicative and vary from patient to patient.
Rehabilitation
Range of Nearby Joints
Calf Strengthening
Balance Training
Walking Pattern
Footwear
Driving, Office & Labour Work
Life After Ankle Fusion
Can I walk normally?
Can I drive?
Can I travel?
Can I climb stairs?
Can I squat?
Can I exercise?
Can I play golf?
Can I cycle?
Can I trek?
Can I wear normal shoes?
Potential Benefits
Reduction of pain in appropriately selected patients
Intended as a long-term solution once the bones have fused
No moving implant components that can wear out
Correction of deformity where needed
Improved stability of the ankle
Suitable option for severe deformity or poor bone quality
High union rates
Risks
As with any surgery, complications are possible. These include
- Delayed union
- Nonunion
- Infection
- Nerve irritation
- Blood clot
- Hardware irritation
- Need for future surgery
- Adjacent joint arthritis over years
Our Doctor
Details of registered medical practitioners at Eva Hospital, Ludhiana, provided for patient information.
Dr. Tanveer Bhutani
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Qualifications
- MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), M.Ch (Orthopaedics) (UK)
- Department
- Orthopaedics
- Registration status
- Registered
- Registration No. (NMR/SMR)
- [ENTER NMR / SMR NUMBER]
- Registered with
- [ENTER STATE MEDICAL COUNCIL NAME]
- Availability
- [ENTER OPD DAYS AND TIMINGS]
Registration can be verified on the NMC website.
Related Treatments
Ankle Fracture Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Ankle arthrodesis, or ankle fusion, is a surgery that permanently joins the shin bone (tibia) to the ankle bone (talus) into one solid bone, eliminating the painful, arthritic joint surface.
Yes. Once the bones fuse, the joint is permanently joined and no longer moves. The result is intended to be a long-lasting, durable solution.
Many patients walk with a near-normal pattern once healed. A mild change in gait is possible. But the surrounding foot joints typically compensate well.
Running is possible for some patients but is generally more demanding than walking; low-impact activity is usually better tolerated long-term.
You will lose movement specifically at the ankle joint itself, but the neighbouring subtalar and midfoot joints continue to move and compensate.
Yes, most patients can drive once healing allows safe, painless pedal control — this is confirmed individually with your surgeon.
Postoperative discomfort is expected and managed with pain medication; pain generally improves progressively over the following weeks.
Protected weight bearing typically begins around 8–10 weeks, with progressive walking from around 10–12 weeks, depending on healing seen on X-rays.
In most patients, screws are left in place permanently unless they cause specific irritation or symptoms.
Yes, if screws or hardware cause localized irritation or discomfort, they can be removed once the fusion has fully healed.
Over many years, the neighbouring joints that compensate for the fused ankle can develop increased wear, sometimes leading to adjacent joint arthritis.
Yes, in appropriately selected patients, though this is planned carefully given the impact on mobility during recovery.
Duration varies with the complexity of the case, particularly whether deformity correction or bone grafting is required, typically ranging from about one to a few hours.
Yes, with appropriate blood sugar control and perioperative management, as diabetes can affect wound and bone healing and needs to be optimised beforehand.
Reported union rates are high in appropriately selected patients. Results vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed. Your surgeon will discuss the outlook for your ankle.
Metal implants can occasionally trigger airport security scanners; carrying documentation of your surgery can help, though this varies by airport and screening technology.
Yes, nonunion (failure of the bones to fuse) is possible, though uncommon in appropriately selected and well-managed patients.
Yes. Smoking significantly impairs bone healing and increases the risk of nonunion, so stopping smoking before and after surgery meaningfully improves your chances of a successful fusion.
Severe Ankle Arthritis?
Consult the Orthopaedics Department at Eva Hospital, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana, to discuss whether ankle fusion, ankle replacement or continued non-surgical care is suitable.