What is Total Ankle Replacement?

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:

• An incision is made on the front or side of the ankle
• Damaged bone and cartilage are carefully removed
• Bones is precisely cut to fit the ankle implants
• Perfectly sized implants are cemented to bones

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.

What Does Total Ankle Replacement Treat?

Ankle arthritis is a chronic condition that wears away the ankle bone and cartilage.

Symptoms of ankle arthritis include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling

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.