A hindfoot fusion stiffens the worn joints at the back of the foot to relieve pain and correct alignment, while preserving ankle movement. It can be a targeted subtalar fusion or a wider triple fusion depending on which joints are affected.
When is hindfoot fusion considered?
Hindfoot fusion is considered when arthritis below the ankle causes persistent pain, especially on uneven ground, and non-surgical treatment no longer controls symptoms.
Can I avoid surgery?
What happens during the procedure
Imaging and diagnostic injections identify the painful joint or joints
The worn joint surfaces are prepared for fusion
Screws, plates or staples hold the bones in corrected alignment
The foot is protected while bone healing takes place
Recovery timeline
- First 6–10 weeks — protected or non-weight-bearing
- 10–12 weeks — weight-bearing increases if X-rays show healing
- 3–6 months — walking distance and footwear tolerance improve
- 6–12 months — full recovery and swelling improvement continue
Risks & complications
Risks include infection, delayed union or non-union, hardware irritation, nerve symptoms, blood clots, stiffness and transfer stress in nearby joints.
Costs & insurance
Self-pay consultations are £250 (new) and £175 (follow-up). The procedure price is confirmed after your consultation. We are recognised by all the main insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and Cigna.
Questions & answers
No. It stiffens joints below the ankle, but the ankle joint itself can still move.
A triple fusion joins three hindfoot joints when arthritis or deformity affects a wider area.
The aim is to reduce pain and improve stability, though uneven ground may still feel different because hindfoot movement is reduced.
Bone healing is usually assessed over the first 10 to 12 weeks, with full recovery taking 6 to 12 months.
