Foot and ankle surgeons discuss arthritis surgical advances
There's good news for active older adults who are plagued with arthritic ankles. Surgeons presenting today at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas are re-thinking treatment approaches for end-stage ankle arthritis.
Baby Boomers are more active than ever and don't want to be held back by painful arthritis. While in the past pain-relieving ankle fusions were the gold standard for care, new surgical techniques including arthroscopic ankle surgery, total ankle joint replacements and bone or cartilage replacement are offering hope for those wanting to remain active.
These advancements come at an opportune time since foot and ankle surgeons are seeing more patients with end-stage ankle arthritis as the population of older adults increases.