Dr.karnav Panchal is a specialist in knee, hip, shoulder and elbow related problems. After completing his M.S. in orthopedics at B.J. Medical College, one of the prestigious institutes in India, he has been trained in the fields of joint replacement surgeries and sports injuries at Mumbai and South Korea.
If you suffer from advanced ankle arthritis, deformity, or chronic instability, an arthroscopy-assisted fusion of the ankle or subtalar joint might be the long-term solution you need.
Dr. Karnav Panchal, a renowned orthopedic and foot-ankle surgeon in Ahmedabad, specializes in minimally invasive joint fusion procedures to relieve pain, correct deformity, and restore function — especially when other treatments have failed.
Fusion surgery (arthrodesis) involves permanently joining the bones of a painful, damaged joint. In this case:
Ankle fusion addresses end-stage arthritis of the ankle joint.
Subtalar fusion treats arthritis or instability of the joint below the ankle (between the talus and calcaneus).
Using arthroscopy (minimally invasive keyhole surgery), Dr. Panchal performs fusion with greater precision, less tissue damage, and faster recovery.
Advanced ankle or subtalar joint arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis after fracture or injury
Rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory joint disease
Severe joint instability or deformity
Failed previous ankle surgery or joint replacement
Chronic subtalar pain not responding to conservative care
Chronic, unrelenting pain in the ankle or hindfoot
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Swelling or deformity in the ankle or heel
Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces
Limping or gait abnormalities
Pain worsened by standing or activity
Detailed physical examination of the ankle and hindfoot
X-rays to assess joint damage or alignment issues
CT scan for precise understanding of bone quality and deformity
MRI (if needed) to assess surrounding soft tissues
Diagnostic injections to confirm the pain source (especially in subtalar issues)
Activity modification and footwear changes
Bracing or ankle support
Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroid injections
Physical therapy
If pain and functional limitations persist, fusion surgery is considered.
Performed through tiny incisions using a high-resolution camera and specialized instruments
Damaged cartilage is removed and the bones are aligned and fused together using screws or plates
Ensures accurate joint preparation and alignment under direct visualization
✅ Less blood loss
✅ Lower infection risk
✅ Faster bone healing
✅ Smaller scars
✅ Quicker rehab and return to function
Permanent relief from chronic joint pain
Improved walking and weight-bearing capacity
Corrects deformity and improves stability
Preserves nearby joints and slows further degeneration
Enables return to routine and low-impact activities
Dr. Karnav Panchal operates in Ahmedabad’s top orthopedic hospitals equipped with:
Robotic-assisted surgery systems (where available)
Computer-navigated instruments
Infection-controlled surgical suites
Dedicated rehab and physiotherapy units
Minimal access surgical tools for microplasty
You may be a candidate for arthroscopic ankle or subtalar fusion if you:
Have severe joint arthritis or pain unresponsive to medication or therapy
Cannot walk or perform daily tasks due to hindfoot or ankle stiffness
Have failed previous surgeries or conservative management
Are seeking a long-term solution to pain and deformity
Want minimal incision surgery with a shorter hospital stay and recovery
✅ Expertise in arthroscopic ankle and foot surgeries
✅ Trusted name in ankle fusion and joint preservation
✅ Use of modern implants and 3D imaging support
✅ Advanced rehabilitation protocol for faster recovery
✅ Personalized care from consultation to post-op follow-up
Hospital Stay: 1–2 days
Non-weight bearing: 6–8 weeks (with crutches or walker)
Progressive weight-bearing: After bone fusion signs on X-ray
Return to regular activity: 3–6 months
Sports/High-impact activity: Typically not recommended post-fusion
Patients from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Rajkot, Mehsana, Vadodara, and even from Rajasthan and Maharashtra, visit Dr. Panchal for high-quality hip replacement surgery.
Yes, the fused joint will no longer move, but surrounding joints often compensate well, especially if the pain is resolved.
Fusion is preferred in younger, active patients or in cases where joint replacement isn't feasible due to severe bone damage or instability.
Yes, arthroscopy provides faster healing, fewer complications, and better cosmetic results.
Fusion has a 90–95% success rate, especially when done with proper alignment and fixation.
Yes, most patients walk without pain or limping once healing is complete.
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