Ankle Replacement

What types of problems benefit from ankle replacement surgery?

Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates typically recommends ankle replacement surgery to people with severe ankle pain caused by arthritis. You might benefit if you suffer from chronic ankle pain, ankle swelling, or difficulty walking.

Most people who undergo ankle replacement surgery are 50 and older, but the procedure can also benefit athletes, runners, and other active people with severe ankle damage.

Can anyone undergo ankle replacement surgery?

Ankle replacement surgery is safe and usually well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. That’s especially true if you have abnormally shaped ankles or severe ankle instability. Similarly, medical conditions, such as diabetes and circulatory problems, may prevent you from receiving this type of treatment.

Let your provider know about any health problems you have and if you take prescription medication, vitamins, or nutritional supplements during your initial consultation. Certain drugs can interfere with anesthesia and increase the risk of surgical complications, so it’s important they’re aware.

What happens during ankle replacement surgery?

Ankle replacement surgery is often a minimally invasive procedure that occurs at a hospital. Depending on your surgical plan, it may involve the use of robotic technology. Your surgeon administers general anesthesia before the operation, causing you to fall asleep.

Once you’re comfortable, they make a small incision at the front of your ankle and carefully remove the diseased or damaged bone and cartilage that surrounds your ankle joint.

Your surgeon then prepares your joint surfaces for an artificial joint and inserts pieces of metal or plastic into the proper positions. They align the artificial pieces with your ankle joint and assess the alignment of your foot and ankle.

Your surgeon removes the tools, closes the incision, and moves you to a hospital room for observation. The entire procedure takes two or three hours, and you spend at least one night in the hospital.

What is recovery like after ankle replacement surgery?

Recovery from ankle replacement surgery takes 6-12 months on average. During that time, it’s normal to experience mild pain, bruising, and swelling. Take your medications as prescribed and wear your splint or cast as directed.

About 2 weeks after surgery, you begin physical therapy. Physical therapy helps you regain mobility with a mix of strengthening exercises, stretches, massage, and gait training.

Call Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates to schedule an ankle replacement consultation. (610) 779-2663