Total Ankle Replacement Specialists

What is total ankle replacement?

Total ankle replacement is a procedure to remove a worn or badly damaged arthritic ankle joint. Removing this damaged or worn cartilage and bone eliminates your pain. Then, prosthetic metal and plastic parts restore the ankle to a healthy range of movement.

Total ankle replacement is, in most cases, a better alternative to ankle fusion. Ankle fusion surgery eases pain but prevents the joint from moving. With a total ankle replacement, you get pain relief while maintaining ankle movement.

When might I need total ankle replacement?

Nonsurgical approaches are generally the first options for all types of ankle pain and instability, including that caused by arthritis. Some of the different nonsurgical approaches include:

• Ice
• Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom orthotics
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Calf-stretching exercises
• Shoe changes
• Limiting physical activities

If your ankle problems persist and disrupt your normal daily activities, a total ankle replacement could be the right procedure to restore your mobility and eliminate your pain. 

Am I a good candidate for total ankle replacement?

Total ankle replacement is generally only for late-stage or end-stage ankle arthritis. It’s not ideal for people who have significant deformities, dead bone (avascular necrosis) in a key ankle bone, poor blood flow, poor muscle function, or severe peripheral neuropathy. However, other procedures may help with these problems.

For example, Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists offers total talus replacement, in which they replace a dead or collapsed talus (the lower part of your ankle joint). 

Many individual factors come into play when determining whether you qualify for a total ankle replacement, including your particular ankle anatomy, age, overall health, weight, and activity level.

What happens during total ankle replacement?

In a total ankle replacement, the first step is removal of the damaged and worn parts of your joint. Then, a metal tray goes over the end of your long leg bone (the tibia), and a metal dome covers the bottom part of the ankle joint (the talus).

A high-density plastic liner sits in the middle of the tray and dome, which allows your ankle joint to glide smoothly. Surgical cement firmly keeps these parts in place. You have dressings and a splint on your ankle after surgery, and you may have a drain for a short time as well. 

Most people stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after total ankle replacement. You can return home once your pain is under control. You also receive oral medication to manage pain at home.

You can expect to use crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter in the coming weeks. Physical therapy helps you to gradually return to your regular activities, but in general you limit your activities for 6-12 weeks after your total ankle replacement. 

Recent studies show that up to 90% of total ankle replacement patients are pleased with their results, so it’s a proven solution for severely arthritic joints. 

To learn more about total ankle replacement, call Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists, or click on the provided link now.