Ankle Fusion Surgery Abroad: Lithuania

We are one of the leading orthopaedic surgery clinics for medical tourists in the European Union. We are proud of the fact that over 90 % of our patients come from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada and other countries.

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Ankle fusion case analysis
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Nordorthopaedics Center Of Excellence
One of the world’s leading medical technology companies and orthopaedic implant manufacturers, Smith & Nephew, have chosen Nordorthopaedics as its exclusive partner in the Baltic States and the clinic is now a Center of Excellence for this company in the region. 
 
Experienced ankle and foot surgeon V. Kimtys
  • More than 20 years of working experience
  • 500 ankle prosthetics performed
  • 1.000 ankle fusion surgeries
  • Read more
Refund for EU patients

Get your surgery for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times. 

Rehabilitation packages

One of the most important factors for a quick and full recovery after surgery is proper rehabilitation. Rehabilitation helps recover after surgery as well as prevents formation of blood clots and helps avoid most of the postoperative complications and side effects. We offer two different rehabilitation packages:

Our clinic
Self-catered accommodation with medical care
11 reasons that make us the most popular orthopaedic clinic abroad

One of the most important factors for a quick and full recovery after surgery is proper rehabilitation. Usually, clinics are not able to offer this due to costs savings. Our patients can choose between two inpatient and outpatient options: rehabilitation with a physiotherapist of the Lithuanian national basketball team, prof. L. Siupsinskas or rehabilitation at a medical SPA.

Our team of 5 orthopaedic surgeons has 10-20 years of experience in the field in total performing over 1.000 different orthopaedic surgeries per year. Moreover, our surgeons are members of various prestigious surgical societies both Lithuanian and international. Our leading joint replacement surgeon S. Tarasevicius is an author of 150 scientific publications in different medical journals, who has performed more than 3.500 joint replacement surgeries during 15+ years of his professional experience. 

We are one of the leading orthopaedic surgery clinics for medical tourists in the European Union. We are proud of the fact that over 90 % of our patients come from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada and other countries.

One of the world’s leading medical technology companies and orthopaedic implant manufacturers, Smith & Nephew, have chosen Nordorthopaedics as Center of Excellence in the Baltic States.

We are trusted by our patients and we appreciate all the reviews and feedback collected over the years. Find more than 150 testimonials here or on Google. 

Already more than 4.000 of our former, current and future patients joined our online community with the aim to build a space for opinions and mutual support. Members are welcome to share experiences about their visit to the clinic and to discuss all surgery-related matters. No other orthopaedic clinic can offer such group support.

Being a true member of the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries, Lithuania is one of the leaders in low joint replacement revision rates, as only 9% of surgeries in Lithuania require revision in 10 years after surgery. Moreover, with the implants used at our clinic, only 2-3% of surgeries require revision in 10 years after surgery, while revision rates in some other Western countries, for example, USA, is as high as 17% in 10 years after surgery. The implants used at our clinic have been evaluated by other countries’ registries as those ensuring longest implant life, as compared to products of other manufacturers. Moreover, thanks to our active participation in collecting data for the registries, the surgical technique used at our clinic ensures best surgical outcomes.

Our clinic works according to the highest standards set by the European Union. This helps to guarantee the quality of medical services. We care about the safety, comfort and successful results of our patients from all over the world. 

The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.

We provide customer service in 9 foreign languages including English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, Polish. Everyone in our clinic speaks English, including nurses, assistants and the surgeon. 

Athletes treated at Nordorthopaedics
Official clinic of Lithuania national football teams
Highest quality implants

Our clinic uses implants based on their performance in international registries.

Being a true member of the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries, Lithuania is one of the leaders in low joint replacement revision rates, as only 9% of surgeries in Lithuania require revision in 10 years after surgery. Moreover, with the implants used at our clinic, only 2-3% of surgeries require revision in 10 years after surgery, while revision rates in some other Western countries, for example, USA, is as high as 17% in 10 years after surgery. The implants used at our clinic have been evaluated by other countries’ registries as those ensuring longest implant life, as compared to products of other manufacturers. Read more here.

13 patients' case studies
What is ankle fusion?

Ankle fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a permanent solution to end-stage arthritis. The surgery is an option when the arthritic joint is so stiff and painful that one can hardly walk. As the name “ankle fusion” suggests, the bones of the lower leg are fused with the bones of the foot. Although it may seem like a drastic choice to make, ankle fusion completely alleviates arthritic pain and allows patients to maintain a normal lifestyle. The surgery can be done arthroscopically through tiny incisions. Various studies have shown that arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has many benefits, like quicker surgery time, insignificant blood loss, a lower rate of infection, and less soft tissue complications.

When is ankle fusion needed?

Ankle fusion is considered to be the last treatment option for patients who suffer from persistent ankle pain and reduced ability to move. When the ankle joint is severely damaged and the pain remains unrelenting even after getting conservative treatment, it is time to discuss the option of ankle fusion with an orthopedic surgeon. Factors that could cause damage to the ankle joint include osteoarthritis, bone fracture or avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, deformities, severe infection, and obesity. The best ankle fusion candidates are older patients with generally good health. On the other hand, ankle fusion may not be the best option for some individuals. Highly active patients may have a greater benefit from ankle replacement, and so it needs to be discussed with a surgeon.

Ankle fusion advantages and possible risks
How to prepare for ankle fusion?
FAQ about ankle fusion with our surgeon
How is ankle fusion performed?
Recovery after ankle fusion

Right after ankle fusion, the operated ankle is put in a compression dressing and orthosis. It is normal to experience moderate pain and discomfort. The medical staff closely monitors health status and adjusts the pain medications to keep the patient comfortable. Before leaving the clinic, the patient is prescribed pain medications and advised on self-care during recovery.

For the first two weeks, the operated ankle should be kept elevated, since doing so controls swelling and speeds up recovery. The patient must refrain from putting weight on the ankle; however, it is advisable to walk around the house with crutches. Carefully moving around for short periods of time keeps muscles and bones strong. The movement also reduces the risk of thrombosis. At the end of the second week, a healthcare provider has to inspect the wound and change the cast to a full plaster.

For the next month, a patient remains in non-weight-bearing crutches. The post-op pain is much more tolerable at this time, but the operated leg should still be kept elevated to control swelling. At the 6 week mark, the patient has to take an x-ray to confirm good bone fusion. If the bones are healing well, the cast can be changed to a walking boot.

After 3 months, an x-ray is repeated one more time. By this time, the patients can wear their normal footwear and perform most daily activities. A return to sports and high impact activities can be expected from 6 months post-op.

Ankle replacement and ankle fusion: which method is better?

Ankle replacement and ankle fusion have different indications and goals. An orthopaedic surgeon evaluates each case and suggests the most suitable treatment option for the particular case.

During ankle replacement, a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one. An orthopedic prosthesis is designed to closely mimic the functions of a real joint. A patient has a natural gait and a good range of motion. Thus, this surgery may be more suitable for highly active individuals. On the other hand, ankle replacement is not permanent, because the artificial joint wears out over time and needs to be replaced.

On a good note, ankle fusion relieves arthritic pain, it lasts a lifetime, and the patient can live an active life.