Take the Next Step with Total Ankle Replacement
This increasingly routine procedure performed at Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery Center restores mobility and provides relief from pain caused by ankle arthritis.
Understanding Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis can occur at any joint in the body, especially joints that have been injured or damaged. Ankle injuries are common and can often result in arthritis. If non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, ankle braces and corticosteroid injections have not relieved pain, it may be time to consult with an orthopaedic surgeon. Our board certified foot & ankle specialists can advise you about whether you may be a candidate for total ankle replacement.
Total ankle replacements have been available for many years, but recent advancements in techniques and technology have made it a preferred option for more patients. Total ankle replacement can be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. During the procedure, the ankle joint is removed and replaced with an artificial implant made of metal and plastic that restores the joint’s function. In most cases, patients can go home the same day as their surgery. When other health concerns make a hospital stay necessary, some may spend one night and go home the next day.
Recovery
During the first few weeks after surgery, the patient’s foot should remain elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling. You may begin to put partial weight on your ankle approximately four weeks after surgery, with full weight-bearing beginning at six to eight weeks. Physical therapy is necessary to strengthen the ankle and improve your range of motion. Full recovery takes anywhere from six months to a year, after which you can return to light recreational activity. Avoid high-impact activities and weight-bearing sports that can put strain on the ankle implant.
Outlook
Thanks to advancements in orthopedics, total ankle replacements have become more accurate and durable than ever. Your replacement will last between 10 to 15 years, after which a revision procedure may be necessary. Through this procedure, you can find relief from pain caused by ankle arthritis, preserve motion in the joint, and improve function during your normal activities.
“Ankle arthritis can happen as you age from general wear and tear. But it’s more commonly due to an injury or fracture that has healed but resulted in wearing away of the cartilage in the ankle. This can lead to bone-on-bone arthritis, which is very painful and makes walking increasingly difficult. Total ankle replacement is an effective alternative to ankle fusion that restores the normal anatomy and flexibility of the ankle while addressing the pain and deformity that can come with ankle arthritis.”
Jason Wamack, D.P.M, FACFAS
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
