How effective is joint fusion surgery for ankle osteoarthritis?

Ankle osteoarthritis can make each step painful when the joint surfaces are damaged. During fusion, the surgeon removes the worn surfaces and fixes the bones together so they heal as one stable unit. Because the fused joint no longer moves in the same way, pain from that joint may improve, while nearby joints and the foot help provide movement during walking. Results depend on bone quality, alignment, other foot problems, smoking, health conditions, and whether the bones heal together.

Discuss walking demands, work, sport, footwear, and previous ankle operations with the orthopaedic team. Recovery commonly includes a period with limited or no weight through the leg, followed by gradual loading when healing is satisfactory. Arrange help at home, use mobility equipment as instructed, protect the wound, and attend imaging and rehabilitation visits. Smoking can interfere with bone healing, so ask for support to stop or reduce it before surgery.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening calf pain or swelling, numbness, a cold foot, or pain that suddenly becomes difficult to control. Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, or sudden collapse. A gradual recovery is expected, but new or worsening symptoms need assessment rather than being dismissed as normal healing.

How much ankle movement will remain after fusion? How long will I need protection from weight-bearing? What factors could slow bone healing in my case? Which footwear and activities are realistic after recovery?