Ankle Arthroplasty (Replacement)
Ankles can simply wear out, primarily due to arthritic changes and pain. In those cases, the treatments are limited to two kinds of surgeries, fusion or replacement. Ten years ago the ankle fusion was the most common treatment option for severe ankle arthritis. With recent advances in technology and technique, the ankle replacement is used commonly to treat arthritis of the ankle with both osteoarthritis and posttraumatic arthritis. Ankle replacement or arthroplasty does have limitations as it may be contraindicated in people with severe peripheral vascular disease, severe deformity, co-morbidities such as diabetes or people with severe osteoporosis.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the ankle are pain and reduced movement in the ankle joint. The pain is typically aching in nature and can make walking difficult. Certain movements may cause a grinding or catching sensation as the arthritic bone surfaces move against one another. The ankle joint may swell.
This swelling is worse after heavy use at first, but as the problem grows worse the ankle may stay swollen all the time. Bone spurs, or outgrowths, may form around the joint and can also be a source of pain and swelling. The benefit of an artificial joint is to ease the symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis and provide you with a mobile joint.
How is ankle replacement surgery performed?
When an ankle replacement is performed, the worn out joint surfaces of the end of the shin bone (tibia) and top of the ankle bone (talus) are removed. This is performed with precise instruments to create a level surface for the implanted prosthesis. The surgeon then places a metal and plastic implant into the bone ends to function as a new ankle joint.
What is the recovery from ankle replacement surgery?
Patients undergoing ankle replacement generally spend one night in the hospital after surgery. Pressure on the ankle replacement must be limited with the use of a walker or crutches for several weeks. Complete recovery from an ankle replacement takes about three months.
What are the possible complications from ankle replacement surgery?
Complications of ankle replacement include infections, would healing problems, and persistent pain in the ankle joint. Achieving satisfactory alignment of the implants to allow for normal walking is difficult, and cannot always be achieved. If the ankle replacement does not work, it may need to be removed from the joint, and an ankle fusion surgery would then be performed.
Benefits of Ankle Replacement
When compared to a fusion, the replacement offers real advantages over the more traditional fusion procedure. Unlike a fusion, the replacement preserves motion, allowing the patient to have continued movement in the ankle joint. It also provides for a quicker recovery most of the time.
Dr. Mendel is the most experienced surgeon in the Quad Cities in performing ankle replacements.
