Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

What You Need To Know

Understanding total ankle replacement and whether it may be right for you.

Total Ankle Replacement at Bay Area Foot Care

Total ankle replacement surgery, also known as ankle arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the ankle joint with prosthetic components. The goal of this procedure is to relieve the patient’s pain and improve their ankle function.

Preservation of ankle joint motion is imperative for being able to complete everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and engaging in recreational activities. When constant pain and limited mobility are affecting your daily life, it’s time to consider an alternative. Total ankle replacement surgery can restore your ankle function and provide relief from debilitating pain.

Ankles are a prime spot for arthritis, and they are more likely to develop post-traumatic arthritis than osteoarthritis. For many Baby Boomers, the trauma was an ankle fracture or a bad sprain that may have happened in their teens or twenties.

Ideal candidates for ankle replacement are individuals over 50 years old who maintain a healthy weight, those who suffer from severe ankle arthritis, individuals who previously had unsuccessful surgeries and are in pain with limited mobility, those who had a bad ankle sprain or fracture in their younger years, and individuals who do not suffer from advanced diabetes, compromised bone quality, or circulatory issues.

If you are dealing with ankle discomfort or pain, you should seek the guidance of a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Reach out to us today at Bay Area Foot Care to restore mobility to your ankle and enhance your quality of life.

Procedure, Recovery, and Outcomes

These procedures are performed in the hospital on an outpatient basis. Many times, full weight bearing is allowed within two weeks after surgery, though specific timelines vary by patient.

Today, successful surgical outcomes are very good and offer a level of predictability and functionality surpassing that of ankle fusion. Unlike fusion, which curtails the ankle’s up-and-down motion, total ankle replacement preserves joint mobility, enhancing overall function. The motion of the ankle implant also protects neighboring foot joints, mitigating the risk of arthritis from the amplified stress that accompanies ankle fusion.

Patients are typically non-weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery in a cast or protective boot. After which, most patients can bear some weight while wearing a boot. Patients typically return to regular shoes around 8 weeks. Full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 months, with most patients returning to normal activities by 3 to 6 months post-surgery.

Following surgery and physical therapy, patients can resume activities like walking, hiking, swimming, or biking. Activities such as running, basketball, tennis, and heavy lifting should be avoided, and any high-impact sports should be discussed with your surgeon.

Each individual’s timeline will be determined with the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist, and our team will support you from your first consultation through long-term follow-up.