Medical Minute - Ankle Fusions vs Replacements with Dr. Alex Simpson
Key Highlights
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Ankle Fusion: A traditional procedure where the bones of the ankle joint are permanently fused together. It eliminates joint motion to eliminate arthritis pain.
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Ankle Replacement: Replaces the worn-out surfaces of the tibia (shin bone) and talus (ankle bone) while preserving the natural movement of the joint.
Surgical Candidates & Selection Criteria
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Who qualifies for replacement: Patients with good bone quality and aligned joint structures who want to maintain ankle mobility.
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When fusion is preferred: Recommended if the bones are crooked, or if the patient has poor bone quality, high weight, or significant medical comorbidities.





