Ankle Arthrodesis / Fusion in Bengaluru at VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic

At VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic, Bengaluru, Dr. Vijay Girish performs Ankle Arthrodesis (Fusion) — a surgical procedure designed to relieve chronic ankle pain and instability caused by severe arthritis or deformity. The surgery involves fusing the bones of the ankle joint into one solid bone, eliminating movement in the joint to provide long-term pain relief and improve stability.

Ankle Arthrodesis is recommended for patients with end-stage arthritis, post-traumatic deformities, or failed previous surgeries where joint preservation is no longer possible. Using modern fixation techniques, Dr. Vijay Girish ensures proper alignment, stable fusion, and improved weight-bearing function, allowing patients to return to a pain-free and active life.

What is Ankle Arthrodesis / Fusion?

Ankle Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure in which the damaged bones of the ankle joint — typically the tibia and talus — are permanently fused together. This stops painful motion at the joint and helps restore stability. The fusion is achieved using screws, plates, or rods, sometimes with the assistance of bone grafts to promote healing and bone growth. The goal is to create a pain-free, solid, and well-aligned ankle that allows comfortable walking and weight-bearing.

Common Reasons for Ankle Arthrodesis

Ankle Fusion is typically considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve chronic ankle pain or when joint preservation procedures are not possible. Common indications include:

Severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle.
Chronic ankle pain and stiffness not responding to medication or physiotherapy.
Significant ankle deformity causing misalignment or instability.
Failed previous ankle replacement or other surgical procedures.
Persistent infection or trauma leading to destruction of ankle joint surfaces.

Surgical Process and Recovery

Ankle Arthrodesis is performed under regional or general anesthesia. The surgery involves removing the remaining cartilage from the joint surfaces and aligning the bones correctly before securing them with screws, plates, or rods to ensure fusion. In some cases, a bone graft is used to promote healing.

The procedure typically lasts 2–3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
The ankle is placed in a splint or cast to immobilize the joint and support fusion.
Non-weight-bearing is advised for 6–8 weeks, followed by gradual weight-bearing with support.
X-rays are taken periodically to confirm bone healing and fusion progress.
Physiotherapy helps in maintaining strength and improving walking balance post-recovery.

At VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic, Bengaluru, Dr. Vijay Girish employs advanced fixation systems and image-guided techniques for precise alignment and durable outcomes in Ankle Arthrodesis. His patient-centered approach ensures optimal pain relief, stable fusion, and restoration of mobility. With structured rehabilitation, patients can expect to return to daily activities with improved comfort, balance, and confidence.