Ankle fusion surgery involves the fusion of ankle joint bones to form a single structure. This procedure may be recommended in certain cases of end-stage arthritis where non-surgical treatments have not been successful. The main goals of the surgery are to reduce pain and improve the joint’s functionality. However, it is essential to remember that after the procedure, the joint will be fixed in place, resulting in an inability to bend.

Your surgeon will make an incision in your ankle to access the joint and remove the damaged bone and cartilage. Bones are carefully positioned and secured with screws, plates, or other metal implants to promote fusion into a single, combined bone. In selected cases, ankle fusion can be performed using a minimally invasive technique called Arthroscopy (see Ankle arthroscopy).  At the end of the procedure, the wound is closed with sutures(stitches) and a splint/boot is applied.

Ankle arthrodesis is one of the foot and ankle surgeries with the longest recovery time. It is extremely important that you rest and keep your foot elevated for a couple of weeks. You will be non-weight bearing for the first 6-8 weeks, and after this period you will be weight-bearing with a walker/fracture boot unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.                    Patients usually return to their usual activities around 4-6 months after surgery. However, it might take up to 12-18 months for maximum benefits to be achieved.

Your risk of complications may vary according to your general health and age. For example, smoking can increase the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing.

The risks of ankle fusion include (but not limited to):

• Risks associated with anesthesia
• New arthritis in nearby joints
• Infection
• Nerve, blood vessel damage
• Blood clots
• Wound-healing problems
• Non-union (failure of the bones to heal together)
• Mal-union (bones do not fuse in the intended position)
• Persistent pain
• Permanent Numbness

Some complications may require follow-up operations.

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a tiny camera and pencil-sized instruments to examine or repair the tissues inside your ankle.

Instruments are inserted through small incisions (portals) which causes less trauma to the skin and soft tissues. Your surgeon uses a special tool called an arthroscope that comes equipped with a camera and sends the image to an external monitor. This allows the surgeon to view the inside of your ankle and make any necessary repairs with the help of other tiny surgical instruments.

Ankle arthroscopy might be recommended for patients experiencing the following ankle problems:

• Cartilage injuries – if you’ve suffered cartilage injuries, a surgeon can diagnose and treat your condition.
• Impingement – surgical treatment is best performed witharthroscopy and includes removal of bone and soft tissues causing impingement.
• Synovitis – when the lining of the joint(synovium) becomes inflamed. The damaged synovium can be removed arthroscopically.
• Arthritis – patients with end-stage arthritis may need an ankle fusion. In selected cases, ankle fusion can be done by arthroscopy.
• Loose bodies – “loose bodies” refer to fragments of detached cartilage or bone that may be present inside the joint. These fragments can be effectively removed through arthroscopy.
• Unexplained ankle symptoms – during arthroscopy, surgeon may diagnose conditions that were not detected by imaging tests.

• Infection – in certain situations, septic arthritis, or joint space infection, can be addressed using arthroscopy as a treatment option.

It depends on the type of surgery and your condition. But compared to open surgery, you will experience less pain and faster wound healing. Patients can expect pain and swelling following surgery which can be managed with the elevation of the leg, oral pain medication and cold therapy (ice therapy). Your surgeon will guide you through this process.

Your risk of complications may vary according to your general health and age. For example, smoking can increase the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing.

The risks of ankle arthroscopy include (but not limited to):

• Infection
• Numbness or tingling lasting weeks to months
• Injury to nerves, blood vessels, cartilage and ligaments about the foot/ankle
• Blood clots
• Missed diagnosis
• Wound-healing problems 
• Broken instruments in the joint

Some complications may require follow-up operations.

Bunion surgery, sometimes called a bunionectomy, is a surgical treatment to correct bunions. The goals are to relieve pain and improve function. Several different techniques can be performed. It may be needed an osteotomy (bone cut) and/or an arthrodesis (joint fusion) to promote realignment of the big toe and implant materials like metal plates, screws and wires may be used.

Weight-bearing will depend on what type of procedure is being done to correct your bunion. Usually, right after the surgical procedure, you will be heel weight-bearing as tolerated. You will wear a splint/boot and may use a walking device for your comfort. You should not drive for about 2 months if your right foot was operated on. If it was your left foot, you can drive as soon as you are comfortable and out of the boot. After 6 to 12 weeks, you will start to regain foot function. Most patients are able to return to normal activities 4 to 6 months after the surgery.

Your risk of complications may vary according to your general health and age. For example, smoking can increase the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing.

The risks of bunion surgery include (but not limited to):

• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Non-union (failure of the bones to heal together)
• Infection
• Wound-healing problems
• Persistent pain
• Numbness, tingling 
• Bunion recurrence (coming back)
• Stiffness in neighboring joints
• Nerve, blood vessel damage

Some complications may require follow-up operations.

Hallux rigidus also known as “stiff big toe” is arthritis of the first MTP joint. There is damage and loss of articular cartilage. It is the most common arthritic condition in the foot and can make walking painful and difficult.

If you still have pain, stiffness or walking is painful after non-operative measures, you are a candidate for surgery.

Several different techniques can be performed, and the surgeon will decide the type of operation based on your case. It may be needed an osteotomy (bone cut), a cheilectomy (bone spurs removal), and/or an arthrodesis (joint fusion) of the first MTP joint. Implant materials like metal plates, screws and wires can be used. It usually takes 1 to 2 hours.                    Most of the surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day as the surgery.

Cheilectomy – most surgeons recommend wearing a post-op shoe/walking boot and allowing weightbearing as tolerated for about 2-3 weeks before a gradual return to normal footwear. In general, up to 2 weeks off work is required, possibly more if your job involves a lot of physical activity such as walking and standing.

Joint fusion – after the procedure you will be wearing a walking boot. You will be heel weight bearing for the first 6-8 weeks and you are encouraged to use an assistive device such as crutches. The time you require off from work depends on what type of job you do. In general, up to 3 weeks off work is recommended if you have an office or sedentary job. If you have a physically demanding job, you will need considerably more time off work.

Your risk of complications may vary according to your general health and age. For example, smoking can increase the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing.

The risks of hallux rigidus surgery include (but not limited to):

• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Infection
• Non-union (failure of the bones to heal together)
• Wound-healing problems
• Stiffness in neighboring joints
• Permanent numbness 
• Nerve, blood vessel damage
• Blood clots

Some complications may require follow-up operations.

Total ankle replacement is a type of joint replacement surgery. It is usually performed as a treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. Also called Total ankle arthroplasty, may be indicated in selected cases, especially when the non-operative treatment has failed. The main goals of ankle replacement surgery are to relieve pain and improve ankle function.

During the ankle replacement surgery, your surgeon will approach the ankle from the front or the side, depending on the implant used.  A single incision is usually made, but smaller incisions may be needed. The surgeon will then access the joint, remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and replace it with artificial components, also known as prosthetic components, made of metal and plastic. Finally, the incision will be closed with stitches (or surgical staples) and a sterile bandage or dressing will be applied. You will be placed in a splint at the end of the operation and will need a walking aid (crutches, walker, knee scooter, wheelchair).

You will be non-weight-bearing for the first 2 to 4 weeks. After this, you will gradually transition to full weight bearing using a walking boot and an assistive device like crutches or a walker. Patients usually return to their activities around 3-4 months after surgery. However, it might take up to 12-18 months before engaging in low-impact activities such as swimming, dancing and cycling.

Your risk of complications may vary according to your general health and age. For example, smoking can increase the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing.

The risks of total ankle replacement include (but not limited to):

• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Fracture of the bone adjacent to the prosthesis
• Infection
• Wound-healing problems such as scabbing and slow healing
• Failure of the bones to heal to the prosthesis
• Permanent numbness
• Nerve, blood vessel damage
• Loosening or wearing out of the artificial components
• Blood clots
• Persistent pain

Some complications may require follow-up operations.

The type of surgery will depend on the location, the amount of damage to the tendon and whether it is an acute or chronic injury.  The surgeon stitches the two ends of the torn tendon back together which can be done with one large incision (open surgery) or many smaller incisions (percutaneous surgery). If the tendon is badly torn, a tendon transfer may be necessary. Talk to your doctor to determine the best surgical technique for your case.   

Immediately after surgery, you will be wearing a cast or splint to keep your foot and ankle immobilized as you heal. After your first postoperative visit, it may be switched to a boot. You will need a walking device (crutches, walker, knee walker, wheelchair, etc) to help you avoid putting weight on your foot. It’s a long rehabilitation process. A physiotherapist can help you strengthen your leg muscles and regain mobility in your ankle. The Physio team will also help you with balance exercises. Daily activities are usually resumed after 4-5 months. In most cases, patients can return to full activity in 8-12 months.

Your risk of complications may vary according to your general health and age. For example, smoking can increase the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing.

The risks of Achilles tendon repair include (but not limited to):

• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Infection
• Wound-healing problems
• Permanent numbness 
• Calf weakness
• Re-rupture
• Nerve, blood vessel damage
• Blood clots

Some complications may require follow-up operations.

A broken ankle may require surgery if the ankle is unstable and the broken bone is displaced, or not well aligned.

Your surgeon makes one or two incisions to access your broken bones and put them back in place, that’s called reduction. The broken bones are kept in the right position using specialized metal hardware such as plates, screws, or nails. An X-ray is done to ensure the bones are in the correct position as well as the hardware.  At the end of the surgery, the wound is closed with sutures (stitches) and a cast/splint is applied.

Yes, you will. In the postoperative period, a walking device (crutches, walker, wheelchair, knee scooter) is needed because you will be non-weight-bearing for a few weeks.

Sutures are removed on the first postoperative visit, and you may be placed into a removable boot. It usually takes about six weeks for bones to heal; you will only be allowed to start bearing weight after that period. Physiotherapy will help you strengthen your leg muscles and regain mobility in your ankle.                                                                                                        Patients feel comfortable performing daily activities usually after 4-6 months. However, full recovery can take more than a year after the procedure.

Your risk of complications may vary according to your general health and age. For example, smoking can increase the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing.

The risks of ankle fracture surgery include (but not limited to):

• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Ankle arthritis
• Infection
• Wound-healing problems
• Permanent numbness 
• Joint stiffness
• Non-union (failure of the bones to heal together)
• Broken hardware
• Hardware sensitivity
• Residual pain   
• Nerve, blood vessel damage
• Blood clots

Some complications may require follow-up operations.