What is
Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery?
Ankle joint replacement, also known as total
ankle arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to relieve pain and immobility
due to arthritis that has not responded to conservative measures. The goal of
ankle joint replacement surgery is to alleviate ankle pain and increase the
mobility and function of the ankle joint. Ankle joint replacement is
recommended for many people of wide variety of ages with ankle
arthritis.
What is
Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis is a term used to describe loss of
cartilage and decreased function of a specific joint. Traditionally, in the
hips or knees this is caused by osteoarthritis. However, the ankle is a
different world and arthritis in the ankle is typically caused by trauma.
Previous sprains fractures and other injuries are likely to contribute to
ankle arthritis in the future. Ankle arthritis typically presents itself with
localized swelling achiness and a feeling like the ankle is stiff, clicking
or stuck in one position.
How is
Ankle Arthritis Diagnosed?
Ankle arthritis is diagnosed by your
physician after reviewing your history and performing an examination of the
symptomatic ankle. Imaging studies such as X-ray, CT and/or MRI may be
ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
What are
the Treatment Options for Ankle Arthritis?
Conservative
treatment of ankle arthritis involves physical therapy, bracing,
orthotics, injections, oral anti-inflammatories as well as platelet rich
plasma injection.
How is an
Ankle Joint Replacement Performed?
Ankle joint replacement surgery is performed
under general anesthesia. Your surgeon
makes an incision over the front of the ankle. The muscles are
retracted, and tendons and ligaments moved away to expose the ankle joint.
The damaged regions of the tibia, fibula and talus bone are then removed
using special instruments, and the remaining
healthy bones are reshaped to fit an artificial joint or
prosthesis. A bone graft is inserted between the tibia and fibula to create a
fusion of the two bones and prevent loosening of the prosthesis. The prosthetics are kept in position with
special bone cement and
instrumentation such as screws to support the artificial ankle.
At the end of the surgery, tendons and other structures are positioned back
to cover the new joint. The wound is sutured closed and covered with a
sterile dressing.
What is the
Postoperative Care for an Ankle Joint
Replacement?
Patient in most cases can begin
weight-bearing two weeks after ankle joint
replacement. Several factors
will determine when you can start walking and moving the ankle
but generally two weeks is when you can begin weight-bearing.
After the initial two weeks physical therapy
will begin and protected weight-bearing in a boot will also begin. It’s
critical that early range of motion is initiated soon after the surgery to
reduce immobility of the joint.
For most
individuals and ankle joint replacement is a very successful surgery
resulting in reduced pain and increased mobility and
function.
CONTACT
Water Oak
Foot and Ankle | Dr. Matthew McCabe
2270 Matlock Road,
#104
Mansfield, Texas 76063
