Initially, the medical profession experimented with a innovative and highly unstable new technology: TAR, Total Ankle Replacement in an attempt to overcome the problems and symptoms that were routinely recognised as being suffered by patients who suffered from arthritis of the ankle. Unfortunately, it was not very long before the medical profession regretted its decision as the quality of the TAR technology at that time was very poor indeed and so directly placed a number of patients at direct risk. Horror stories of patients finding themselves a crumpled heap on the ground as their prosthetic ankle broke, struggling to come to terms with the possibility of a total amputation, and a high failure rate overall all spelled out the untimely and ultimate demise of the TAR technology.
It would take another 20 years before the surgical profession would even entertain the possibility of using them, and even now, ankle fusion (known in medical circles as arthrodesis) is the primary method of dealing with end stage osteo-arthritis.
Thomas Aquinas once noted:
“When choosing between the lesser of two evils, we must not forget that the choice we make is still an evil.”
Therefore, ankle fusion was the primary method of treatment for people with arthritis of the ankle not because it was/is an effective solution, but merely, simply because the range of viable alternatives is lacking.
The following is intended as an overview of some of the problems associated with ankle fusion.
What are the long term risks of ankle fusion surgery?
What orthopaedic surgeons are often very reluctant to admit is that there is a fairly high failure rate associated with ankle fusion, and this can take place in one of two forms.
Malunion: With this, the bones that are meant to fuse together do so, in a less than optimal position that if left unchallenged, may ultimately lead to abnormal gait and weight distribution.
Non-union: Here, the bones do not fuse together at all, thereby meaning that there is no safe or stable platform upon which the person can confidently and safely use the foot as a weight bearing structure.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.