Ankle Replacement

What Is a Total Ankle Replacement?

Total ankle replacement, also known as ankle arthroplasty, is a procedure used to treat severe ankle arthritis and chronic ankle pain by replacing damaged portions of the ankle joint with artificial components.

During the procedure, your surgeon removes worn cartilage and damaged bone from the ankle joint and replaces them with specially designed implants that recreate the smooth movement of a healthy ankle. Unlike ankle fusion, total ankle replacement preserves motion at the ankle joint, allowing many patients to maintain a more natural walking pattern.

The goal of total ankle replacement is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve overall quality of life.

Who Should Have a Total Ankle Replacement?

Fox Valley Orthopedics may recommend total ankle replacement for patients who have significant ankle pain and loss of function caused by advanced ankle arthritis.

You may be a candidate if you experience:

• Chronic ankle pain
• Severe ankle arthritis
• Stiffness and loss of motion
• Difficulty walking
• Pain with standing or weight-bearing activities
• Reduced quality of life
• Failure of conservative treatments
• Post-traumatic ankle arthritis following a previous injury

Most patients pursue nonsurgical treatment before considering surgery, including:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Bracing
• Corticosteroid injections
• Orthotics
• Supportive footwear

Before recommending surgery, your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist will perform a comprehensive evaluation that may include X-rays, CT scans, and a review of your medical history to determine whether total ankle replacement is the right option for you.

How Well Does a Total Ankle Replacement Work?

Severe ankle arthritis can make walking, exercising, working, and enjoying daily activities increasingly difficult. When conservative treatment is no longer effective, total ankle replacement can provide significant pain relief and functional improvement.

Many patients experience:

• Reduced ankle pain
• Improved mobility
• Better walking mechanics
• Increased ankle motion
• Improved ability to perform daily activities
• Enhanced quality of life

One of the primary advantages of total ankle replacement is its ability to preserve ankle movement while relieving arthritis pain. This may help reduce stress on neighboring joints in the foot when compared to ankle fusion.

Successful outcomes depend on factors such as overall health, bone quality, activity level, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation.

What Can I Expect When I Have a Total Ankle Replacement?

Prior to surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive preoperative evaluation that may include imaging, laboratory testing, and medical clearance to ensure you are prepared for the procedure.

On the day of surgery, you will meet with your surgeon and anesthesia team. The procedure is typically performed using general anesthesia or regional anesthesia.

During surgery:

• • Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the ankle joint
  • Specialized instruments are used to prepare the bone surfaces

• Artificial implant components are placed into the tibia and talus
• Alignment, stability, and motion are evaluated
• The incision is closed and the ankle is protected for healing

Depending on your individual situation, you may return home the same day or remain in the hospital for a short stay.

Following surgery, recovery may include:

• Temporary use of crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter
• Immobilization in a splint, cast, or walking boot
• Physical therapy
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Progressive weight-bearing as directed by your surgeon
• Strengthening exercises
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

A gradual return to activity is important to allow the implants and surrounding tissues to heal properly.

Typical Time Away From Work

Office/Sedentary Roles: Typically 4 to 8 weeks

Moderately Active Roles: Typically 8 to 12 weeks

Strenuous/Physical Roles (prolonged standing, walking, lifting, manual labor): Typically 3 to 6 months

Recovery timelines vary based on the severity of arthritis, overall health, activity demands, and individual healing rates. Your Fox Valley Orthopedics specialist will provide personalized recommendations regarding rehabilitation and return-to-work expectations.