Ankle Arthritis Surgery
Surgical correction of painful ankle arthritis using external fixation (large circular frame). There are many surgical options for ankle arthritis, fusion being one of them. A period of approximately 6-8 weeks of no weight bearing is expected, followed by 3-4 weeks of 20% weight bearing with the frame on as tolerated. The fixator is removed at 3-4 months (depending on how well the fusion site looks) and is followed by a period of 4-8 weeks of gradual weight bearing using a walking boot. Physical Therapy may be required to return to full weight bearing. Regular shoe ambulation is attained usually at 4-6 months. The pictures below show the pre-operative X-rays, post-operative weight bearing with the frame, and final surgical outcome.
