What is ankle fusion?

This is an operation to “fuse” or stiffen the ankle joint.

Why is it performed?

Ankle fusions are performed for two main reasons:

•   Arthritis of the joint, a previous injury that has damaged the joint, a generalised condition such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis or because the joint is just wearing out for some other reason.
•   Severe deformity of the rear part of the foot such as a flat foot, high-arched or “cavus” foot, a club foot or other deformity in which the ankle joint is also deformed, unstable or damaged.