Ankle Replacement Surgery

Ankle replacement surgery replaces a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant. Also known as total ankle arthroplasty, this surgery can relieve pain and restore function in patients suffering from severe ankle conditions.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The surgeon removes the diseased portions of the ankle joint and replaces them with a prosthetic joint that mimics the movement of a natural ankle.

What Is the Replacement Ankle Joint Made of?

The implant is made of metal and durable plastic.

Why Would I Get Ankle Replacement Surgery?

Ankle replacement surgery can treat severe ankle arthritis and other degenerative conditions. It may also help if your ankle joint is significantly damaged due to long-term wear or previous surgeries.

How Can Ankle Replacement Surgery Help Me?

Ankle replacement surgery can help relieve chronic pain and restore mobility while preserving range of motion. Unlike ankle fusion surgery, ankle replacement allows you to maintain flexibility and movement in the ankle.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

Ankle replacement surgery can be performed using:

• General anesthesia: You will be asleep during the surgery.
• Regional anesthesia: Your surgeon will use a nerve block to numb an area, such as below the knee or everything below the waist. You will be awake, but you won’t feel anything during the procedure.

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgery, ankle replacement surgery carries some risk of complications, including:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Nerve damage

For ankle fusion surgery, specific risks include:

• Delayed healing
• Implant failure
• Limited mobility improvement
• Need for revision surgery

What Does Recovery Involve?

Recovery from ankle replacement surgery typically includes:

• Hospital stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery.
• Immobilization: You will need to keep your weight off the ankle. A cast or splint may be required for the first few weeks to allow proper healing.
• Physical therapy: Once your ankle has started to heal, you will perform guided exercises to help restore movement and strengthen it.
• Gradual weight-bearing: You will start with non-weight-bearing activities, such as using crutches or a walker, before gradually resuming normal walking.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Most people return to normal activities within 6-12 months, with improvements continuing for up to a year.

What Improvements Can I Expect?

Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function, with artificial joints typically lasting 10-15 years or more. Long-term outcomes depend on factors like your activity level, how well you stick to your rehabilitation plan, and your overall health. Most patients can expect:

• Reduced or eliminated ankle pain
• Improved walking ability
• Better balance and mobility
• Preservation of natural joint movement

After their recovery, many people are able to return to low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and biking.

Nonsurgical and Surgical Alternatives

Ankle replacement surgery isn’t the only way these ankle issues can be treated. Other treatment strategies include:

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Physical therapy
• Pain-relief medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Bracing or orthotics
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on the ankle

Surgical Treatments

• Ankle fusion (arthrodesis): Fusing the bones of the ankle joint to eliminate instability and pain
• Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tissue or bone spurs

Talk to your surgeon to explore the benefits of each option and determine what treatment strategy is right with you.