Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure that removes damaged ankle bone and cartilage and replaces it with metal and plastic components to form a new joint that moves easily without any pain. It is similar to knee or hip replacement surgery where the goal is to remove arthritic or damaged bone and replace it with implants that mimic the function of a healthy joint. The procedure involves making an incision on the front or side of the ankle, removing damaged bone and cartilage, precisely cutting bones to fit the ankle implants, and then cementing perfectly sized implants to bones. After surgery, patients spend at least one night in the hospital and return home once their pain is controlled and infection risk is decreased. Physical therapy with a physical therapist begins to restore strength, function, and flexibility. Total ankle replacement treats ankle arthritis, a chronic condition that wears away the ankle bone and cartilage, causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling. While nonsurgical treatment options are great for decreasing mild to moderate ankle arthritis symptoms, if they do not provide relief, an ankle replacement may be recommended.
Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure that removes damaged ankle bone and cartilage and replaces it with metal and plastic components to form a new joint that moves easily without any pain. This procedure is similar to the knee or hip replacement as the goal is to remove arthritic or damaged bone and replace it with implants that mimic the function of a healthy ankle joint.
Procedure steps include:
The incision is carefully closed and sterilely dressed and the ankle is immobilized in a comfortable splint. The ankle is elevated after surgery to decrease swelling and pain. Patients usually spend at least one night in the hospital and return home after their pain is controlled and infection risk is decreased.
Physical Therapy with a physical therapist begins so that strength, function and flexibility can be restored.
Ankle arthritis is a chronic condition that wears away the ankle bone and cartilage.
Symptoms of ankle arthritis include:
Nonsurgical treatment options are great at decreasing mild to moderate ankle arthritis symptom and injections may be tried prior to surgery. If they do not provide symptom relief, an ankle replacement may be recommended.
