Arthrodesis is defined as the surgical fusion of a joint. Triple arthrodesis involves the fusion of the calcaneocuboid, talonavicular, and talocalcaneal ( i.e. subtalar) joints in the hind foot with bone graft material and internal fixation ( e.g.. cannulated screws, bone staples).
Today, orthopaedic surgeons perform triple arthrodesis procedures for correction of marked varus or valgus deformities from residual clubfoot, cerebral palsy, and Charcot's joint disease (i.e. neuropathic arthropathy of hind foot); chronic acquired flatfoot from end - stage posterior tibial tendon ruptures; and arthritic conditions of hind foot.
This is the side and front view of an ankle fusion. Three screws are routinely used for fusion. They are buried in the bone and do not need to be removed.
An ankle arthrodesis is an operation that glues together or fuses the ankle joint. The ankle joint is responsible for more than 75% of the up and down movement of the ankle. With the ankle fused, no further upward movement is present but a limited amount of downward movement is possible. The in and out movement of the heel joint is not affected by an ankle fusion.
An ankle fusion is a good operation for certain selected individuals who are not good candidates for a total ankle replacement. The success rate of ankle fusion is good provided techniques are used which use small incisions. It is possible to do the ankle fusion through two tiny incisions, referred to as the mini-arthrotomy procedure for ankle fusion. This procedure was pioneered and developed by Dr. Myerson. Exercise is possible following an ankle fusion but very few running type activities, ball or racquet sports are going to be possible.
