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What is a triple arthrodesis of the ankle

Author

Sarah Rodriguez

Published Apr 09, 2026

A triple arthrodesis is a procedure consisting of the surgical fusion of the talocalcaneal (TC), talonavicular (TN), and calcaneocuboid (CC) joints in the foot. The primary goals of a triple arthrodesis are to relieve pain from arthritic, deformed, or unstable joints.

How long does it take to recover from a triple arthrodesis?

It usually takes around ten 10 months to become pain-free and recover from the surgery. The patient can experience maximum improvement one year after the surgery.

How long before you can walk after ankle fusion?

It can take up to six months to fully recover from ankle fusion surgery, but it’s a phased recovery that will include different levels of mobility. For the first six to 12 weeks after ankle fusion surgery you won’t be able to put any weight on your foot or ankle at all.

Is arthrodesis a major surgery?

Arthrodesis in the wrist stabilizes the joint. It fuses the long bone in your forearm to the smaller bones in your wrist. This is a major surgical procedure. Your doctor may only recommend it after trying conservative treatments first.

When can I walk after triple arthrodesis?

A short hospital stay is required following the procedure. You should avoid placing any weight on the ankle for a period of 6 weeks following surgery. A walking cast will be required for an additional 6 weeks. Full recovery often occurs within 10 months.

Is arthrodesis surgery painful?

Benefits and Risks of Arthrodesis Although joint motion is eliminated when joint fusion surgery is performed, the fused joint is no longer painful, the patient can bear more weight more painlessly and typically exhibits greater function.

Can you run after a triple arthrodesis?

The lack of this side to side movement will be noticeable when walking on uneven ground surfaces. This does not, however, cause any pain, and all types of exercise are permitted following a triple arthrodesis.

How successful is foot fusion?

This is a very successful procedure, with excellent outcomes in over 90% of patients. You can expect: Excellent pain relief which improves as the joints fuse (join) at around three months.

What is a triple arthrodesis surgery?

A triple arthrodesis is a procedure consisting of the surgical fusion of the talocalcaneal (TC), talonavicular (TN), and calcaneocuboid (CC) joints in the foot. The primary goals of a triple arthrodesis are to relieve pain from arthritic, deformed, or unstable joints.

Is arthrodesis the same as a fusion?

An arthrodesis is a surgical procedure, also called a joint fusion. In performing an arthrodesis, the goal is to permanently hold a joint in a fixed position, and allow the bone to grow across that joint.

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What is the success rate of ankle fusion?

In studies ranging in size from 12 to 101 patients, rates of successful primary ankle fusion of 80–100% have been reported earlier. In other studies ranging from 5 to 62 patients, substantial pain relief ranging from 80 to 100% was reported after successful fusion.

Can you wear normal shoes after ankle fusion?

6-12 weeks – you will have a cast or boot so you will be able to take some of your weight with crutches if advised by your consultant. 12 weeks onwards – you should be able to take your full weight and wear normal shoes.

Does ankle fusion eliminate pain?

Ankle fusion (arthrodesis) involves cleaning the worn out ankle joint and fusing the bones together with screws, plates and bone grafts. Ankle fusion relieves pain, but it also limits your ankle’s range of motion, Parekh explained.

How do you perform triple arthrodesis?

Most triple arthrodesis procedures are performed by removing all of the cartilage from the three joints involved—that is, the talocalcaneal (TC) joint (also referred to as the subtalar joint), the talonavicular (TN) joint, and the calcaneocuboid (CC) joint—and fusing them with bone-to-bone contact.

What bones are fused in a triple arthrodesis?

The term “triple” arthrodesis refers to a fusion procedure of three joints of the hindfoot and midfoot, the subtalar joint (talus and calcaneus), the talonavicular joint, and the calcaneocuboid joint.

Why is arthrodesis performed?

Arthrodesis, also known as artificial ankylosis or syndesis, is the artificial induction of joint ossification between two bones by surgery. This is done to relieve intractable pain in a joint which cannot be managed by pain medication, splints, or other normally indicated treatments.

Can I swim after ankle fusion?

Generally, after your stitches have been removed or have dissolved and your wound has fully healed, you should be able to swim in the sea or a swimming pool. Once a wound has healed, the risk of infection decreases.

Can you ski with a fused ankle?

Once the ankle has fused, it is quite durable. Many patients work physically demanding jobs, walk long distances, hike, cycle, and ski on fused ankles.

What happens if ankle fusion fails?

A failed fusion can ultimately result in amputation. Risks for poor outcomes include smoking, noncompliance (walking on it early or removing your brace against your doctor’s advice), poorly controlled diabetes, and poor bone density.

How long does it take to recover from arthrodesis surgery?

You’ll probably need to wear a cast or brace. And, you’ll need to keep all weight off the joint. This could mean you’ll use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around. Healing can take up to 12 weeks, so you’ll want some help getting through your daily life.

How do I get back in shape after foot surgery?

  1. Stretches. Stretching is a great activity to do when you’re recovering from foot surgery. …
  2. Yoga/Pilates. Yoga is another exercise that you can jump right into after surgery. …
  3. Swimming. …
  4. Exercise Bike.

What is a triple fusion in a foot and ankle?

A triple arthrodesis is a fusion in the hindfoot (back of the foot) used to treat many types of painful foot deformities. This procedure fuses the joints under the ankle that allow the foot to move from side to side. These joints are the talonavicular, subtalar, and calcaneocuboid.

How long does swelling last after triple arthrodesis?

After surgery, your foot will tend to swell up quite a lot. You will therefore have to rest with your foot raised in bed to help the swelling to go down. This may take anything from 2 days to a week.

What joints are fused in ankle arthrodesis?

Ankle fusion is a type of surgery to fuse the bones of your ankle into one piece. It’s also known as ankle arthrodesis. The surgery is usually done to treat arthritis in the ankle. The ankle joint is also called the tibiotalar joint.

Does ankle fusion cause arthritis?

Nonunion is the biggest risk of an ankle fusion. That’s where your ankle bones fail to fuse. This happens in about 10% of cases. An ankle fusion can also increase the rate of arthritis in your foot and nearby joints as these joints in your foot will now take on more stress.

How painful is bone fusion in foot?

You won’t feel any pain because the area will be numb. You will soon meet with a physical therapist to discuss how to walk without putting weight on your foot. Once you are comfortable (usually a day or two after surgery, you will go home with instructions and pain medications.

Is bone fusion painful?

After spinal fusion Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort but the pain can usually be controlled well with medications. After you go home, contact your doctor if you exhibit signs of infection, such as: Redness, tenderness or swelling.

Is arthrodesis same as laminectomy?

In some cases, spinal fusion (arthrodesis) may be done at the same time to help stabilize sections of the spine treated with decompressive laminectomy. Spinal fusion is major surgery, usually lasting several hours.

How long does it take to heal from a bone fusion?

It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely. You may need to wear a back brace while your back heals. And your doctor may have you go to physiotherapy.

Can an ankle fusion be reversed?

DELAYED FUSION REVERSAL Arthroscopic fusion is an excellent way to fuse an ankle without destroying the gutter facets of the ankle joint which improves the success of fusion reversal. This technique is particularly important in patients with end stage ankle arthritis that are under 30 years old.

How many hours is ankle fusion surgery?

Ankle fusion surgery can take between two and three hours to perform. Spinal anesthesia typically is given to numb you from the waist down, and you usually are sedated so you sleep through the procedure. Your surgeon may have to make multiple incisions.