Ankle fusion
Ankle fusion is an operation that permanently joins the bones of the ankle to reduce pain caused by severe arthritis or joint damage.
Ankle fusion overview
Healthy cartilage allows the bones in your ankle to move smoothly. When this cartilage is badly damaged by arthritis or a previous injury, the bones can rub together, causing pain, stiffness and sometimes a change in the shape of the ankle. Ankle fusion, also called ankle arthrodesis, joins the main ankle bones so they no longer rub together. The ankle joint will no longer move, but reducing pain can make walking and everyday activity more comfortable.
How is surgery carried out?
The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon removes the damaged joint surfaces, positions the ankle and holds the bones together with screws or other metalwork while they heal into one solid bone.
Surgery may be performed using keyhole techniques or through a larger cut, depending on the condition and shape of your ankle. Occasionally, extra bone is used to encourage healing.
Are there any risks?
Possible risks include:
- Infection or problems with wound healing
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
- A blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
- The bones not joining fully (non-union)
- Metalwork becoming uncomfortable
- Ongoing pain or pain developing in nearby joints over time
Your specialist will discuss your individual risks and how they are reduced.
Recovery from ankle fusion
Protecting the fusion
Your ankle will be in a cast and you will usually avoid putting weight through it. Keep your foot raised as much as possible to help control swelling.
Gradually increasing weight
X-rays will check whether the bones are joining. If healing is progressing well, you may move into a new cast or boot and gradually increase the weight you put through your foot.
Returning to activity
You will gradually return to everyday activities as your strength and walking improve. Swelling can take many months to settle fully, and improvement may continue for up to a year.
Working with foot and ankle professionals and teams
Our foot and ankle specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their feet and ankles. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Foot and Ankle treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Ankle fusion FAQs
You must be out of your cast or boot, walking safely and able to perform an emergency stop without pain or hesitation. Ask your specialist when it is safe and check with your insurer before driving.
Desk-based work may be possible after around four to six weeks if you can travel safely and keep your foot raised. Jobs involving standing, walking or manual work may require three to six months away.
Low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming and walking are often possible once the fusion has healed. High-impact or twisting sports may not be recommended. Your specialist will advise you based on your recovery and goals.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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