Which has a longer recovery time: ankle replacement surgery or ankle fusion?

Fusion: A fusion requires bone to heal to bone and be correctly aligned and stable. This wil take several months. An implant does not require bones to heal together as the joint is being artificially replaced. This does not require nearly as much time to heal.

Depends: Most total ankle replacements require a shorter period of being non weight bearing than ankle fusions. The decision for which of these treatment options is best should not be based on the recovery time but rather factors such as age, size, functional demands, etc.

Dr. L is correct!: You should talk this over extensively with your orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. Ankle fusion remains the more common surgery at this point. However, total ankle replacement is becoming more popular. Please visit www.Orthodoc.Aaos.Org/foot ankle.

Read on: Ankle fusions take 8-14 weeks average till the bones to unite non weight bearing . Pt is started and there may or may not be the need for a special shoe modifications. Ankle replacements require 2-8 weeks non weight bearing and many rely on bone ingrowth into the prosthesis which can cause aching unto 6 months. Though you are walking on it earlier than a fusion it can improve upto 6-12 months.