Total ankle replacement is a procedure that’s used to treat the pain and deformity that often come with ankle arthritis. In a total ankle replacement, the ankle joint is removed and replaced with an artificial implant made of metal and plastic. The goals of ankle replacement are to provide pain relief, preserve motion and improve function during activity.
“The reason for total ankle replacement is similar to hip and knee replacement surgeries where the joint and the cartilage within the joint eventually wears out. The difference with the ankle is that it’s usually the result of an injury,” says Christopher Lotufo, DPM, FACFAS, fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon with Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics. “Somebody sprains their ankle several times or they have an ankle fracture – it eventually heals but leads to wearing away of the cartilage. This can lead to bone-on-bone arthritis, which is very painful. Now we’re able to replace ankles instead of fusing them, which is how they’ve historically been treated.”
Learn more about total ankle replacement and how this option is available for as a same-day procedure for many patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lotufo, call (423) 624-2696.
