Ankle Deformity

There are various type of ankle deformities. Unfortunately many arthritic ankles are not straight.

Table of Contents

Overview

There are various type of ankle deformities. Unfortunately many arthritic ankles are not straight. This is one reason why total ankle replacement can be challenging to get consistent results. It takes considerable experience to perform total ankle replacement on deformed or distorted ankles. Some surgeons will simply recommend ankle fusion because of the deformity complexity.

The deformities outlined below can be usually related to a traumatic incident cause direct injury to the ankle in the form of a severe ligament injury or fracture trauma. Sometimes the injury took place decades prior to the onset of pain symptoms.

Types

Some of the common patterns of deformity are:

Varus Ankle

This ankle deformity is where the foot turns sideways toward the opposite foot. It is in the direction of a typical ankle sprain.
Ankle Deformity

Valgus Ankle

This deformity is where the foot turns sideways away from the opposite foot.
Valgus Ankle Deformity

Talolisthesis

This deformity is where the talus translates forward or backward relative to the axis of the leg.