Ankle Replacement (Total)

What is an Ankle Replacement procedure?

An Ankle Replacement Procedure (also known as an Ankle Arthroplasty) replaces all parts of the natural surface of the ankle joint with an artificial cover known as prosthesis.

An ankle prosthesis is usually made of metal and plastic components. The metal components cover the surface of the damaged or diseased ankle joint and the plastic component acts as a buffer between the two and allows the new joint to move freely. This joint replacement procedure is less frequently performed than most other joint replacement procedures.

Why is an Ankle Replacement procedure performed?

An Ankle Replacement can be performed on individuals who have sustained a significant impact injury to the ankle joint or individuals over the age of 55 who have experienced chronic and debilitating ankle pain that fails to respond to non - surgical treatments. Joint 'wear and tear' between the surfaces of the Tibia (shin bone) and Talus (ankle/foot bone) caused by degenerative conditions such as Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis are the two most common reasons for performing an Ankle Replacement procedure.

How is an Ankle Replacement procedure carried out?

Ankle Replacement can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Spinal/Epidural/Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes around one and a half to two hours to complete and is performed with a patient positioned on their back on an operating table throughout the procedure.

A longitudinal incision is made on the front of the ankle in order for the surgeon to move the skin and tendons out the way. A jig is then inserted and various cutting instruments are used to carefully reshape the surface of the Tibia and Talus (foot) bones in order to attach a new ankle joint prosthesis. Following the insertion of the new prosthesis the wound is usually closed with absorbable stitches and the ankle joint secured in place with a temporary plaster cast.   

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid serious complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to take a few non weight-bearing steps with crutches or a walking frame with a physiotherapist the day after surgery. Following a progressive improvement of mobility on crutches and pain control patients are normally discharged from hospital 2-3 days following surgery.

By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing a replacement light weight plaster cast or splint, eating and drinking normally, walking confidently with the aid of crutches and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers) to control any pain.
Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and partial weight bearing activities and walking distance.

Your Consultant Surgeon will then assess your ankle joints range of movement after 6 weeks and then again after three months to evaluate how successful your ankle replacement operation has been. Patients should expect a full physical recovery to take up to nine months to achieve.

Are there any risks associated with Ankle Replacement surgery?

Although Ankle Replacement surgery is more commonly and successfully performed today than it has ever been, it is still performed less frequently than many other types of joint replacement surgery. This is probably because Ankle Replacement surgery is considered more prone to developing complications such as delayed healing and infection. It is therefore very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking such specialist surgery. All surgery, no matter how expertly or carefully it is performed carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition with an expert in Ankle Replacement in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Ankle Replacement surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Ankle Replacement surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating surgery and because of their specialist lower limb surgery expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that all patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert surgeon in Ankle Replacement surgery: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com