Ankle fusion: techniques and complications

Ankle fusion is an extremely useful operation. It has the capacity to allow a crippled patient to re-enter the mainstream of life from an otherwise disabling injury or joint disease situation. It requires careful attention to details and the principles of alignment and execution of the procedure in an exacting fashion. Improper position can strain adjacent joints, causing pain and degeneration with the need for additional fusion surgery. Some shortening of approximately 1 to 2 cm usually will result. The surgeon should understand all of the special modifications of the fusion procedure so he can tailor the specific modification for his circumstance. When done properly in the appropriate situation, ankle fusion is an impressive operation for salvage of otherwise hopeless situations.