Is it common to have an ankle replacement or fusion?

Depends: With the changes in technology ankle replacements are becoming more common rather than fusions.

Yes, both common: 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.

Ankle replacement: The ideal candidate for total ankle arthroplasty is a low-demand individual with a low body mass index (bmi) who has a good chance of outliving his or her replacement. This is likely a 60-year-old individual with a bmi less thann 27 and weight less than 200 lbs whose occupation/lifestyle is relatively sedentary (e.g., no heavy lifting, excessive ladder climbing, or jumping). Raikin stated that the ideal candidate for total ankle arthroplasty should have good limb alignment, adequate bone stock to support an arthroplasty, and a good soft tissue envelope around the ankle.

Ankle surgery: At your age, if indicated (arthritis, etc) it is usually an ankle fusion that takes place unless you have been told you have juvenile ra. Both procedures are commonly done by foot and ankle surgeons who have been trained properly. The recovery time is roughly the same, but at your age, if indicated by medical history and physician evaluation, usually a fusion is done. Hope that helps!

Ankle: I tend to like the fusion. Ankle replacements are good and I do them but they will not not last a lifetime. Fusions do last. Best of luck to you.