If i am 22 active female should i get an ankle fusion or replacement? my dr. said fusion. do u agree?

Yes but: Yes the gold standard in someone your age is still an ankle fusion. The key is to get one with possible take down and conversion to a replacement in mind. Some where around 10-15 years after your fusion you will develop arthritis in the joints around your ankle and may need fusion of those joints. It is good to have the replacement as an option at that time.

Fusion: At your age an ankle replacement will likely fail way too early in your life. A fusion will give you excellent pain relief and function. You will develop arthritis in the joints around the ankle but that's a much lesser price than a failed joint replacement. Have your fusion done arthroscopically if possible and preserve the fibula bone. Less pain and faster healing.

Fusion vs replacemen: The easy answer is that it depends. You are young. With ankle replacement no impact activities are suggested. You will continue to have motion and will certainly need 1-2 revisions/redos in your lifetime. Getting your surgery done by someone who does these a lot is important. On the other hand, a fusion limits motion, gives you an abnormal gait, and increases wear of other joints.

Ankle Replacement: Ankle replacement remains a procedure that is relies on strict patient selection criteria. Patients that are young and active are not typically appropriate for the procedure as the implant is likely to fail in your lifetime and another procedure required. Therefore, in these patient populations, fusion remains the gold standard.

Options.: You may also want to talk to a surgeon that does ankle transplants to see if this is an option for you.

Yes with explanation: Ankle replacements do not have the proven longevity that hips and knee replacements have. If you have an ankle replacement at 22 you will probably out live the polyethylene portion of the ankle. Failed total ankles are a bit more difficult to fuse. The fda approved star replacement has an easily replaceable bearing if it wears out. Some say have a flexible ankle when young fuse when you are older. Informed consent.

Orthopedic surgeon: Recurrent sprains of the ankle, especially in situations that usually would not result in a sprain, are suspicious for a serious problem needing attention. Sometimes physical therapy is all that is necessary sometimes arthroscopy or arthroscopy surgery to tighten the ligaments. Orthopedic docs are well trained to diagnose and treat this. In some states the podiatric practice law allows them to treat as well.

Yes: Negative lab test or "seronegative" RA is a known condition. Clinically the patient has many of the signs and symptoms of RA but the RA factor is negative.

Why do you need it?: At 22, you must have either a significant prior trauma to the ankle, or a severe rheumatologic condition. Either option is pretty extreme. As far as which has a better track record, fusions do have more durability, especially for active patients. If you think replacement, make sure you get an opinion by a surgeon that specializes in the operation. There are very few of them.