Print OverviewAnkle surgery may be an option when more-conservative treatments don't relieve ankle pain caused by severe arthritis. The type of surgery that's right for you depends on your age, your level of activity, and the severity of your joint damage or deformity. Severely damaged ankle joints may need to have the bones fused together or even replaced with an artificial joint. Ankle fusion Ankle fusion Enlarge image Close Ankle fusion Ankle fusion For ankle fusion, the surgeon roughens the ends of the damaged bones and then fastens them together with metal plates and screws. During the healing process, the damaged bones fuse together into one combined bone. In this procedure, the surgeon roughens the ends of the damaged bones and then fastens them together with metal plates and screws. During the healing process, the damaged bones fuse together into one combined bone. Ankle fusion is usually very successful in relieving arthritis pain. But it also reduces the ankle's motion. To make up for this, nearby joints may move more — which increases the risk of developing arthritis in these joints. Ankle fusion is usually recommended for younger people with more-active lifestyles. Compared with ankle replacement, ankle fusion: Is generally more durable Requires fewer restrictions in activity during recovery Ankle replacement Ankle replacement Enlarge image Close Ankle replacement Ankle replacement For an ankle replacement, the surgeon removes the ends of the damaged bones and fits a plastic-and-metal replacement joint onto them. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the ends of the damaged bones and fits a plastic-and-metal replacement joint onto them. The artificial joint helps the ankle retain more-natural movement, so there's less risk of arthritis developing in nearby joints. However, loosening of the components can occur. Artificial ankle joints are generally recommended for healthy people over the age of 60 who have less-active lifestyles. High-impact activities such as running and jumping can damage an artificial ankle joint. Ankle replacement might not be a good choice if you: Are younger than 50 Have weakened ankle ligaments Participate in high-impact sports or work Have misaligned ankle bones Are significantly overweight Have nerve damage from diabetes Are a heavy smoker Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic By Mayo Clinic Staff Ankle surgery care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments May 17, 2022 Print Show references Firestein GS, et al. Foot and ankle pain. In: Kelley and Firestein's Textbook of Rheumatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 19, 2017. Weisman MH, et al. Total joint replacement for severe rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 19, 2017. Azar FM, et al. Ankle arthrodesis. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 13th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 19, 2017. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 28, 2016. Azar FM, et al. Reconstructive procedures of the ankle in adults. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 13th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 19, 2017. Houdek MT, et al. Radiographic and functional outcomes following bilateral ankle fusions. Foot & Ankle International. 2014;35:1250. Singh JA, et al. Racial disparities in total ankle arthroplasty utilization and outcomes. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 2015;17:70. Singh JA, et al. Time trends in total ankle arthroplasty in the U.S.: A study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Clinical Rheumatology. 2016;35:239. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Ankle surgeryAboutDoctors&DepartmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20303978 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Ankle surgery