Ankle replacement surgery, also known as total ankle arthroplasty, offers patients more mobility than ankle fusion and relieves the pain of ankle arthritis. The prostheses is modeled after human anatomy and helps to replicate natural movement of the ankle. Ankle replacement is sometimes necessary when arthritis of the ankle makes daily activities difficult to do.

Patients don't always know when they have ankle arthritis. Ankle arthritis symptoms can include one or more of the following; swelling and tenderness, increased pain with movement, pain flaring up with activity, and difficulty in walking. There is no cure for arthritis, but treatments are designed to relieve pain and restore motion. If conservative treatments like activity modification, steroid injections, physical therapy and NSAIDs do not relieve symptoms, then ankle replacement or fusion are surgical options to treat ankle arthritis.

The orthopedic will make an incision on the front of the ankle. The diseased cartilage and bone are then removed from the tibia and talus. Lastly, a metal and plastic implant is inserted. Sometimes additional procedures are performed depending on the extent of your arthritis and ankle injuries.

How long does it take to recover from ankle replacement surgery? Full recovery can take from 8-12 months, but most people resume daily activities within two weeks. Movement is non weight bearing for 6-8 weeks and then patients transition to a walking boot. Patients start physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion and are in the walking boot for about four weeks. Your doctor will advise you on other restrictions depending on your lifestyle and goals.

The success rate of total ankle replacement surgery with modern prosthesis is very high. The pain is tolerated well by the majority of patients, they report far less pain than with an ankle fusion.

свернуть