Take the Next Step with Total Ankle Replacement

Advanced Treatment for Ankle Pain

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. 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. TAR is like hip and knee replacement in that the joint and cartilage within the joint eventually wear out. The difference with the ankle is that it’s usually the result of an injury. When someone sprains their ankle several times or experiences an ankle fracture, it can increase the wearing away of the cartilage even after the injury is fully healed. This can lead to painful bone-on-bone arthritis.

CSMO offers total ankle replacement in our state-of-the-art outpatient orthopedic surgery center. Patients who are appropriate for this setting can go home on 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.

Enhanced Recovery

During the first few weeks after surgery, the patient’s foot should remain elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling. While every patient’s recovery experience is different, 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. During this time, patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities and weight-bearing sports that can put strain on the ankle implant.