Lateral transfibular ankle fusion
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Lateral transfibular ankle fusion is an open surgical procedure that fuses, or joins, the ankle bones. The ankle is the joint that connects the leg to the foot. The ankle joint includes the two lower leg bones, called the tibia and fibula, and the ankle bone, called the talus. Together, the ends of the tibia and fibula create a mortise or groove for the talus, which forms the bottom of the ankle joint. Tissues called ligaments and tendons support the ankle bones. Ligaments connect the bones to each other. Tendons also connect muscles to the bones. The ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down. The articular cartilage at the ends of the bones is a smooth, gliding lining that allows for fluid movement of the joint. Ankle fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that joins the ankle bones so they don't move or rub against each other. Doctors may recommend this procedure for conditions that cause severe damage and pain in the ankle joints. The most common condition is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. In advanced stages of osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the ends of the bones wears away, exposing the bone. This, along with the growth of bony projections called bone spurs, causes swelling, pain, and limited joint mobility. Another condition that may require ankle fusion is rheumatoid arthritis, in which the patient's own immune system attacks the joints. Any condition that destroys the joint surface, such as a severe bone infection or bone death (osteonecrosis), may also require ankle joint fusion. The procedure will begin with an incision on the outside or lateral side of the ankle. The surgeon will then remove the lower part of the fibula. This will allow them to view the tibia and talus bones of the ankle joint. Damaged cartilage and bone will be removed from the underside of the tibia. This will also be done on the upper surface of the talus. Two or three metal guide pins will then be placed through the bones of the ankle joint. The surgeon will use the guide pins to insert hollow screws that hold the bones in place. Bone graft tissue from the removed portion of the fibula will be placed around the joint. The remainder of the removed fibula will then be secured to the fused ankle with two screws. Finally, the incision will be closed with sutures. After ankle fusion, the patient will no longer be able to move the ankle joint. However, the fusion eliminates the pain caused by the arthritic surfaces that were rubbing together, and the other joints of the foot will still allow limited movement.