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Mayo Clinic foot and ankle specialists in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery work with an integrated team to ensure that each patient receives individualized ankle surgery and treatment. The integrated team may include specialists from rheumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation and other departments, who collaborate to find the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
The experienced physicians at Mayo offer high-quality orthopedic care for more than 70,000 patients each year. Physicians and researchers have access to the most current technology and treatment options for ankle and other orthopedic conditions. For many years, surgeons at Mayo Clinic have performed complex ankle surgeries to treat ankle conditions, such as ankle fusions and ankle replacements.
Many types of ankle surgery and treatment options are available at Mayo Clinic, depending on the age and activity level of the patient and the cause and severity of the condition. A foot and ankle specialist conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine which type of ankle surgery is most appropriate for the patient. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, debridement, ankle fusion or ankle replacement.
To relieve the pain of mild osteoarthritis, Mayo surgeons may recommend debridement, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves cleaning up the cartilage around the ankle joint. Surgeons use an arthroscope, an instrument that permits small incisions, and insert a small camera to see the joint. Special surgical tools are used to remove damaged parts of the joint, loose pieces of cartilage and bone around the joint.
Ankle fusion is often recommended for people with severe ankle misalignment, osteoarthritis, an inability to move the foot due to a neurological lesion or a history of infection or dead bone. Ankle fusion generally is suitable for patients who are younger than 30 and wish to participate in high-impact physical activities. It also may be an option for larger patients. Ankle fusion usually allows patients to walk without a limp and without pain. Read more about ankle fusion surgery.
Ankle replacement surgery is often appropriate for patients who avoid high-impact activities, such as skiing, basketball and football. Ankle replacement may be better suited for people with near-normal alignment of the ankle, no history of infection in the ankle joint, and no dead bone (avascular necrosis). Most patients who have ankle replacement surgery have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis caused by a prior trauma, such as a broken ankle. Read more about ankle replacement surgery.
Each ankle supports a force about five times a person's body weight during walking. Normally, cartilage in the ankle joint cushions the bones, so walking is painless. When the cartilage is destroyed or seriously damaged by arthritis or an injury, however, the pain can be debilitating. Patients may need ankle surgery to treat their injury or condition. Surgical options include ankle fusion surgery, ankle replacement surgery or debridement.
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