Artificial joint parts (prosthetics) are used to replace your own bones. Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute has several surgeons who specialize in ankle replacements.
Ankle replacements may be done if the ankle joint is badly damaged. Your symptoms may be pain and loss of movement of the ankle.
Some causes of damage are:
- Arthritis caused by ankle surgery in the past
- Bone fracture
- Infection
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
You may not be able to have a total ankle replacement if you have had ankle joint infections in the past.
Why get an ankle replacement?
An ankle replacement can significantly improve your quality of life. A successful ankle replacement will likely:
- Decrease or get rid of your pain
- Allow you to move your ankle up and down
Usually, total ankle replacements last 10 or more years. How long yours lasts will depend on your activity level, overall health, and the amount of damage to your ankle joint before surgery.
What to expect
Ankle replacement surgery is most often done while you are under general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep and would not feel the pain.
You may have spinal anesthesia. You can be awake but will not feel anything below your waist. If you have spinal anesthesia, you will also be given medicine to help you relax during the operation.
Your surgeon will make a surgical cut in the front of your ankle to expose the ankle joint. Your surgeon will then gently push the tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to the side. After this:
- Your surgeon will remove the damaged bone and cartilage.
Your surgeon will replace the damaged part of:
- The lower end of your shin bone (tibia)
- The top of your foot bone (talus) that the leg bones rest on
- The metal parts of the new artificial joint are then attached to the cut bony surfaces. A special glue/bone cement may be used to hold them in place.
- A piece of plastic is then inserted between the two metal parts.
The surgeon will put the tendons back into place and close the wound with sutures (stitches). You may need to wear a splint, cast or brace for a while to keep the ankle from moving.