Severe ankle arthritis or instability can make walking and daily activities painful. When non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, or injections fail, ankle fusion surgery offers a reliable solution. This procedure joins the bones of the ankle to eliminate painful movement while maintaining stability.

Mr. Turab Syed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, performs open and arthroscopic ankle fusion at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton. This guide explains both procedures, who is suitable, recovery, risks, and why Mr. Syed is the leading choice for ankle fusion surgery.

What is ankle fusion surgery?

Ankle fusion, or ankle arthrodesis, permanently joins the bones of the ankle to relieve pain caused by arthritis or deformity. There are two main approaches:

• Open ankle fusion: A traditional approach involving a larger incision to directly access the ankle joint. It is often used for severe deformities or complex cases.
• Arthroscopic ankle fusion: A minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera (arthroscope) to guide the fusion. This method preserves surrounding tissue, reduces pain, and allows faster recovery.

Both approaches use screws, plates, or rods to secure the bones while they fuse over time.

Who can benefit from ankle fusion surgery?

Candidates for ankle fusion include individuals who:

• Experience chronic ankle pain that limits walking or daily activities.
• Have stiffness, swelling, or deformity of the ankle joint.
• Have failed non-surgical treatments, including physiotherapy, medication, or injections.
• Have post-traumatic arthritis or previous failed ankle surgeries.

Mr. Syed performs a detailed assessment including clinical examination, X-rays, or CT scans to determine the most suitable approach for each patient.

Ankle fusion in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedures

Pre-operative preparation

Before surgery, Mr. Syed and his team ensure patients are fully prepared:

• A comprehensive consultation to explain options, benefits, and risks.
• Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans) for surgical planning.
• Pre-operative checks including blood tests and guidance on fasting or medication.

Open ankle fusion

• Performed under general or spinal anaesthesia.
• A larger incision is made to directly access the ankle joint.
• Damaged cartilage is removed, and bones are positioned correctly.
• Bones are secured with screws, plates, or rods to allow fusion.
• Typically takes 1.5–2 hours depending on complexity.

Arthroscopic ankle fusion

• Performed under general or spinal anaesthesia.
• Small incisions are made for the arthroscope and surgical instruments.
• Damaged cartilage is removed, and bones are aligned.
• Bones are secured with screws or minimally invasive implants.
• Usually takes 1–2 hours and is associated with less post-operative pain and faster recovery.

Where it’s performed

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – modern theatres with personalised recovery support.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – private orthopaedic care with advanced surgical facilities.

Both locations are easily accessible for patients across Stirling, Lanarkshire, and surrounding areas.

Duration and post-op care

After surgery:

• Patients usually stay overnight for monitoring.
• Ankle is immobilised in a cast or boot.
• Pain is managed with prescribed medication.
• Non-weight-bearing with crutches is typically required for 6–8 weeks.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery timelines vary depending on the approach but typically include:

• 0–6 weeks: Non-weight-bearing with crutches and immobilisation.
• 6–12 weeks: Gradual progression to partial, then full weight-bearing.
• 3–6 months: Bone fusion confirmed via imaging.
• 6–12 months: Return to daily activities with reduced pain and improved stability.

Physiotherapy is essential to restore strength, balance, and ankle range of motion. Arthroscopic fusion often allows faster rehabilitation than open fusion.

Risks and complications

Possible risks include:

• Infection.
• Delayed bone healing (non-union).
• Blood clots.
• Stiffness or loss of ankle motion (expected in fusion).
• Nerve irritation or ongoing pain.

Mr. Syed utilises advanced techniques and careful post-operative monitoring to reduce risks and ensure safe recovery.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Specialist in foot and ankle surgery with extensive experience in open and arthroscopic fusion.
• Advanced techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy and condition.
• Personalised care from consultation to full recovery.
• Accessible locations at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton.

FAQs

Is ankle fusion painful?
Some discomfort is expected initially but is managed effectively with medication.

How long is recovery?
Fusion typically takes 3–6 months, with full recovery in up to 12 months.

Will I regain ankle movement?
Fusion eliminates ankle joint movement, but stability and pain relief improve overall mobility.

Can I walk normally after surgery?
Yes, most patients walk without pain after recovery, with improved stability compared to before surgery.

Book your consultation

If ankle arthritis or instability is affecting your daily life, ankle fusion surgery (open or arthroscopic) with Mr. Turab Syed can provide lasting relief.

Book a consultation today at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling or The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton to discuss your treatment options.