How long does it take to recover from ankle fusion surgery?

An ankle fusion surgery combines your ankle bones into one bone. It reduces the symptoms of ankle arthritis including pain, inflammation and swelling. If you wear footwear recommended by your healthcare provider then you might not have a limp. Recovery time is usually six to 12 weeks.

Can I walk normally after ankle fusion?

You will need to use crutches or a walker after surgery for about 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor will tell you when you can put weight on the ankle. It may help to use a backpack or wear clothes with a lot of pockets to carry items.

Is subtalar joint fusion painful?

Over time the bone surfaces in your subtalar joint can suffer wear and tear due to injury or arthritis. This operation removes the degenerate joint and fixes the joint together, with the aim that bone will grow across and ‘fuse’ the joint. The joint will then be rigid and no longer painful.

Is an ankle fusion a disability?

(In November 2005, ankle fusion was included as part of the right foot disability.

How long do you stay in hospital after ankle fusion?

You will usually stay in hospital for 2 days following the operation. A physiotherapist will assist you out of bed and show you how to use suitable walking aids as you will not be able to put any weight through your operated foot for at least 6 weeks and you’ll have a plaster cast as high as your knee.

Is ankle fusion considered a disability?

What are the cons of ankle fusion?

The risks of ankle fusion include:

Infection.
Damage to nearby nerves.
Bleeding.
Blood clot.
The bones not joining together properly.
Misalignment of the bones.
New arthritis in nearby joints (very common)

What happens if ankle fusion fails?

A failed fusion can ultimately result in amputation. Risks for poor outcomes include smoking, noncompliance (walking on it early or removing your brace against your doctor’s advice), poorly controlled diabetes, and poor bone density.

What is a zygapophyseal joint?

Zygapophyseal Joints are joints that are located in the middle of the superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae.

What is an ankle fusion?

Ankle fusion is a surgery to fuse 2 or more bones in the ankle. This helps stop the pain and swelling. Your surgeon will make an incision in your ankle to work on the joint. He or she will then compress the bones together and attach them with plates, nails, screws, or other hardware.

What are the different regions of the zygapophyseal zone?

Regions. In cervical zone, the zygapophyseal joints angle inferiorly from anterior to posterior. This enables in looking sideways and upwards. In cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, the direction of these joints varies. In the thoracic zone, the zygapophyseal joints are positioned vertically.

What is cervical and thoracic zygapophyseal joint arthropathy?

Cervical and thoracic zygapophyseal joint arthropathy refers to degenerative changes in the facet joints (zygapophyseal joints, z-joints) of the spine which may result in facet-mediated head, neck, and back pain. It results from osteoarthritis of the facet joints, and it is a component of spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, trauma, and whiplash.

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