Ankle fusion, also known as ankle arthrodesis, is a common surgical procedure used to treat severe ankle arthritis and deformities. Traditionally, ankle fusion surgeries have relied on external fixation devices like plates and screws to immobilize the ankle joint during the fusion process. However, these methods have limitations such as high non-union rates, extended recovery times and difficulty bearing full weight during recovery. The global ankle fusion nail aims to overcome many of these limitations through an intramedullary fixation method.
What is an Ankle Fusion Nail?
An ankle fusion nail is an intramedullary fixation device used for ankle fusion procedures. It is a titanium nail that is inserted into the medullary canal of the tibia and talus bones during surgery to fuse the ankle joint. The nail spans the ankle joint internally and provides rigid stabilization throughout the fusion process. CoherentMI highlights some key features of ankle fusion nails in Global Ankle Fusion Nail Market as following:
– Precise Sizing and Placement: Nails are available in varying lengths and diameters to allow for anatomically appropriate placement in each patient.
– Compression Capability: Many nail designs feature a compression mechanism that can be activated during or after surgery to apply compression across the fusion site, aiding in bony union.
– Weight Bearing Ability: The rigid internal fixation provided allows patients to begin partial or full weight bearing sooner than traditional plate fixation methods.
– Less Soft Tissue Disruption: Inserting the nail internally through small incisions reduces soft tissue stripping compared to plate application.
Advantages of Ankle Fusion Nailing
By addressing some limitations of traditional fixation methods, ankle fusion nailing offers several potential advantages:
- Faster Recovery: Weight bearing ability and less soft tissue stripping with nails may expedite post-operative recovery times and return to daily activities.
- Improved Fusion Rates: Compression capabilities and rigid internal stabilization can optimize conditions for ankle fusion by enhancing bony apposition and healing across the joint surface.
- Cosmetic Benefits: Minimal incisions and no prominent hardware protruding from the skin provide improved cosmesis over plate fixation.
- Reduced Risk of Non-union: Studies have shown ankle fusion nails may reduce the risk of non-union compared to plating techniques.
- Decreased Hardware Irritation: Internal fixation avoids issues with prominent plate edges or screws irritating skin that sometimes require removal.
Surgical Approach and Procedure
Ankle fusion nailing is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under regional anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Through small incisions centered over the ankle joint, surgeons expose the ankle bones and use drills, broaches and other instruments to prepare the medullary canals of the tibia and talus for nail insertion.
Fluoroscopy is often used for sizing and placement guidance. The compression nail is then inserted through the prepared canals, spanning the ankle joint internally. Additional steps may involve activating compression mechanisms, supplemental internal fixation with screws and proper joint positioning. Wounds are closed in standard fashion, and a light cast or boot is applied.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Compared to traditional external fixation, ankle fusion nailing allows for quicker recovery milestones like immediate toe touches, partial weight bearing at 2-6 weeks and full weight bearing anywhere from 6-12 weeks. Physical therapy focuses on range-of-motion exercises above and below the fusion site during recovery.
Patients are typically kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks in a cast or boot, then progress to partial weight bearing for another 6 weeks. Full healing of the fusion site takes around 3-6 months on average. During this time, imaging studies like x-rays are used to monitor fusion progression. Once solid fusion is seen, patients can resume regular activities.
Market Outlook
The global ankle fusion nail market size is poised for significant growth in the coming years according to research from CoherentMI. Key drivers include the aging population demographic prone to ankle arthritis, advances in nail designs enabling quicker recoveries, and the technique gaining acceptance as an alternative to traditional fixation plates.
North America currently dominates usage while Europe and Asia Pacific regions are expanding markets. As more orthopaedic surgeons adopt ankle fusion nailing and good short to mid-term outcomes are published, market penetration is expected to rise globally. Additional refinement of nail designs may further improve clinical results and support market expansion. However, high device costs could moderate market growth potential. Refer to CoherentMI for more detailed analysis of market trends, technological developments and projections of future market size and growth rates in this sector.
