Failed Hindfoot Fusion
The hindfoot refers to the bone and soft tissue found at the back of the ankle. In some people, bone spurs, injuries and overuse stress the joint, causing inflammation, swelling and pain.
Through surgery, bone spurs and inflamed soft tissue can be removed, or an ankle fusion can immobilize the bone. Because up to two-thirds of ankle motion will be lost, this procedure is performed when other options are exhausted. Failed ankle fusion occurs when the surgery is not successful, resulting in subsequent surgeries and, in extreme cases, amputation of the ankle.
What are the signs and symptoms of a failed hindfoot fusion?
- Continued pain after surgery
- Redness, warmth, drainage or swelling around the ankle
- Nausea, vomiting, chills
- A new tingling or numbness that wasn’t present before surgery