In ankle replacement surgery, damaged cartilage and bone are replaced with metal or plastic components, while ankle fusion involves fusing ankle joints to the leg bones to limit motion and reduce pain.
Treatment options range from pain management with medications, steroid injections, ankle braces, custom orthotics, physical therapy and surgical intervention if conservative care is not successful.
Ultimately, personalized care and shared decision-making between patients and their healthcare providers are crucial in determining the most suitable approach for managing ankle osteoarthritis and improving overall quality of life.
