Your Work-Related Ankle Injury is Not Getting Better
When persistent ankle arthritis from workplace ankle injury or on the job ankle fracture makes walking, exercise, or climbing stairs unbearable, it's time to consider your treatment options. Ankle fusion and ankle replacement can relieve ankle pain and restore motion when nonsurgical treatments aren't effective. Here's what you need to know if you are considering one of these ankle surgeries.
The Difference Between Ankle Fusion and Ankle Replacement
In workers compensation Ankle fusion or ankle replacement surgery may be recommended when end-stage arthritis is diagnosed, the ankle cartilage has worn away, and bone painfully rubs against bone.
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. The limited mobility can change how you walk, and that can cause wear and tear, and ultimately painful arthritis, in other parts of your ankle, knee, and foot. Recovery is longer with ankle fusion than ankle replacement. Patients can spend up to 10 to 12 weeks in a cast. Because the ankle joint is locked in place, physical therapy is not part of the recovery process.
Ankle replacement is a newer option. The procedure, also known as ankle arthroplasty, replaces the arthritic ankle joint with a metal and plastic prosthesis. The recovery period is shorter than ankle fusion – typically three to six weeks in a cast followed by physical therapy. People regain a much wider range of motion; most return to active lifestyles. While the artificial ankle can wear out and may need to be replaced, research shows 90% are still functioning well 10 years after surgery.
When to Consider Ankle Replacement Surgery
Total ankle replacement is often the treatment of choice for people who want to continue their active lifestyles. Because the artificial ankle joint is designed to more closely mimic the natural movement of the ankle, you can walk with a more natural gait and experience less pain and a greater range of motion. That spares the other parts of your knee and ankle that can wear out following ankle fusion. Some patients who have had an ankle fusion may be candidates for ankle replacement surgery to restore movement and function.
When to Consider Ankle Fusion
Most people who choose ankle fusion want a permanent solution to their ankle pain so they don't have to think about it again. Ankle fusion is also recommended to people for whom total ankle replacement is not an option. This may be because the person is overweight or has another condition such as severe nerve damage; paralysis; a history of infection or diabetes; or avascular necrosis -- a condition in which the blood supply to the joint is cut off, which causes the ankle bone tissue to die.
Which Ankle Surgery is Right for You?
That depends, and it's a decision best made with your doctor's guidance. Each ankle surgery has pros and cons, and not every procedure is suitable for every person. Your orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon will evaluate your overall health, age, and activity level to help you decide whether ankle replacement or ankle fusion is best for you.
Experience Counts When Choosing a Connecticut Foot and Ankle Work Injury Lawyer
When it comes to selecting a lawyer for a Connecticut foot or ankle workers compensation claim, experience is essential for several reasons. Firstly, an experienced lawyer will have an in-depth knowledge of the state's workers' compensation laws, regulations, and procedures, which are critical for a successful claim. Secondly, they will be familiar with the complexities and nuances of foot and ankle injuries, which can have lasting effects on a worker's ability to earn a living. Thirdly, an experienced lawyer will have a track record of successfully representing injured workers, negotiating with insurance companies, and securing fair compensation for their clients. Fourthly, an experienced lawyer will have a network of medical and vocational experts that they can call upon to build a strong case on your behalf. Fifthly, an experienced lawyer will understand the emotional toll that a workplace injury can take on a worker and their family and will be able to provide support and guidance throughout the legal process. Lastly, an experienced lawyer will have the skills and resources necessary to take your case to court if necessary, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
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