If chronic ankle pain or deformity is limiting your life, ankle fusion (ankle arthrodesis) can be a reliable solution to restore comfort and stability. At Prospero Medical, we help patients from the UK and around the world explore medical tourism orthopedic surgery options – including tailored medical tourism packages – so you have clinical excellence plus smooth logistics every step of the way. Here’s a clear, patient-focused guide to ankle fusion, written from our experience and the information on our treatment pages.
What is ankle fusion, and why choose it?
The operation that is termed ankle fusion actually connects the bones of the ankle in such a way that they turn into a single unit via growing together. It is mainly suggested for the purpose of getting rid of unbearable pain that is caused by conditions like osteoarthritis, former injuries, and anatomical alterations that have led to the wearing out of the cartilage, and thus making the joint unstable. Ankle fusion has also made it possible for many patients to walk and do their daily activities with much less pain by suppressing movement between the injured bones that are causing pain.
Who is a good candidate?
We consider ankle fusion for patients whose symptoms have not improved with conservative care (physio, injections, medication) and for those for whom ankle replacement is not suitable – for example, people with diabetes, significant bone loss, osteonecrosis, nerve damage or a history of infection. It’s not usually advised for mild-to-moderate arthritis, where non-surgical treatment can still help. Your surgeon will assess your whole health picture before recommending fusion.
Types of surgery & anaesthesia
Ankle fusion may be done through open surgery or minimally invasive (arthroscopic) procedures. Operations generally consist of damaged cartilage removal, bone surface preparation, bone alignment, and fixation with screws, plates, or grafts. The choice between general anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia (often with sedation) depends on the patient’s requirements and medical history. Typical operating time is between one and four hours.
Recovery – realistic expectations
Recovery is gradual but predictable if post-op instructions are followed:
- Most fusions are outpatient, but some patients stay 2–3 days in the hospital.
- Expect swelling for days to weeks; keep the foot elevated initially.
- A brace is usually worn for 3–4 months while fusion takes place; full fusion may take 4–9 months.
You will commonly avoid weight-bearing for the first 6–8 weeks, using crutches or a walker as directed. X-rays after ~3 months, check progress before plaster removal and gradual weight-bearing. After the rehabilitation process and physiotherapy, there are typically improvements in your gait and activity tolerance, but some limitation in your ankle motion is still anticipated, which is the compromise for getting rid of pain and being stable for a long time.
Benefits and risks – balanced view
The principal benefit is pain relief and improved function for people with end-stage ankle arthritis or severe deformity. Fusion reduces swelling and allows many patients to resume daily activities that had become difficult or impossible. As with any surgery, there are risks – infection, incomplete fusion (non-union), hardware issues, or changes in gait – which your surgeon will discuss with you in detail. Choosing an experienced orthopaedic team and following post-op care lowers those risks.
Why consider Turkey for your surgery?
Turkey is presented on our platform as a primary place for orthopaedic surgery because of the combination of the best professionals, modern equipment, and low prices — all facilitated by excellent medical tourism services. If you are thinking of having orthopaedic surgery done in Turkey, we will be there for you with full support: from pre-operative evaluations and package creation to post-operative treatment. Among the factors when arranging travel and treatment, safe, sincere medical advice and a patient-centred approach are stressed.
Costs & what’s included
Exact prices vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and individual needs. Cost planning should look beyond the price tag to clinic quality, surgeon experience, and aftercare. We work with clinics that prioritise safe, transparent care and can put together a medical tourism packages that covers treatment planning, hospital stay, transfers, and follow-up arrangements. Contact our team to get a tailored quote based on your medical records.
FAQs
Q: How long will I be off my feet?
A: You’ll usually avoid putting weight on the operated foot for 6–8 weeks, then follow staged weight-bearing as your surgeon advises. Full fusion can take 4–9 months.
Q: Will I need a bone graft or plates/screws?
A: Many fusions use metal screws or plates; bone grafts are used when needed to promote healing or fill gaps. The surgeon decides during pre-op planning and based on intra-op findings.
Q: Is ankle fusion better than replacement?
A: Fusion is often chosen when replacement isn’t suitable (e.g., severe deformity, infection risk, certain medical conditions). Though not always an option, a replacement can still retain the movement; your doctor will discuss with you the most suitable alternative.
Q: Will overseas patients be given a package deal?
A: Definitely – we facilitate comprehensive medical tourism packages for orthopaedic surgeries, comprising ankle fusion, arranging consultations, transfers, hospital bookings, and post-operative care to make your journey smooth. Get in touch with us for more information and a custom-made plan.
Q: How do I start?
A: Send us your medical records and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT if available). We’ll assess your case and advise on pre-op preparations, anaesthesia options, and a clear treatment plan. Use our contact options on the Orthopaedic Packages page to book an online consultation.
In case you have opted for ankle fusion as one of the surgeries that might take place during your medical tourism in Turkey for orthopaedic treatment, we will be your guides – both clinically and logistically. Our team is available to talk about your situation, provide a customized package, and set up a meeting with our expert doctors. You can get in touch with us through the orthopedic surgery in Turkey package or schedule a virtual consultation today.
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