Ankle Replacements vs. Ankle Fusions - What you need to know with Dr. Emily Vafek 2023

Dr. Emily Vafek explains the difference between ankle replacements and ankle fusions.
Both procedures can help alleviate arthritic ankle pain, but they have important differences.
Foot and Ankle specialists first are trained as an orthopedic surgeon and then pursue additional training specific to the foot and ankle joint.
Total ankle replacements are a newer option that preserve joint motion and are lasting for longer and longer.
The ideal candidate for an ankle replacement is typically somebody with end stage ankle arthritis.
Another option to help relieve severe arthritis is an Ankle Fusion. This procedure fuses the tibia and talus bones, providing relief for severe arthritis pain. This does take away the ankle joint motion, but can be a more durable option for those that will be on their feet consistently.
Determining which procedure is best for you is a conversation to have one-on-one with your surgeon to determine which option is best for you.
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[@GodfreyTempleton]

Ankle fusion looks to me like a one-way ticket. Once that is done there's no going back, whereupon the prosthetic joint does give one a chance/hope of prolonging mobility of the joint.

[@robs1714]

My surgeon says he is getting away from fusions as he is finding ankle joint replacements are better for quality of life, I’m a year out from a trimal and have the start of arthritis and 50 y.o and very active

[@GodfreyTempleton]

@@robs1714 Thank you.

[@Janetjones.]

Hi ive got a weber c break also end stage arthritis lypodermatosclerosis lymphodema and vascular problems i heard the surgeon mention ankle replacement anyway have to go monday one week after break happened to fracture clinic will know more then.Thank you very informative video.