Basics of Surgery for Arthritis.

Last updated Thursday, December 30, 2004

Ankle and foot surgery

Can surgery help arthritis of the foot or ankle?

Ankles and feet have to bear all of the body's weight. Pain and loss of function can be severely disabling. Because there are many bones in the foot and ankle, careful evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon is necessary before deciding upon surgery.

One of the most common types of surgery is bone fusion of the ankle. Sometimes synovectomy, tendon surgery, or replacement of the ankle is done.

Fusion of selected joints in the foot is also done when joints become so painful or deformed that the person is unable to walk. Toe deformities can be corrected by a number of procedures, including fusion of the big toe, resection of the base of the toes, and rarely, replacement of toe joints. Fusion of bones in the foot can be done for severely collapsed arches.

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