Total Ankle Replacement Specialists

What is total ankle replacement?

Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure used to replace damaged parts of the bone and joints in your ankle. Your doctor typically recommends total ankle replacement when nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy or corticosteroid injections have failed to improve your condition. Severe damage to the ankle can result from a number of conditions including:

• Ankle fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Infections

Severe damage to the bone and joints in your ankle can cause crippling pain and loss of mobility. The goal of total ankle replacement is to relieve your pain and restore the strength and mobility of your ankle. 

How is the procedure performed?

Total ankle replacement is performed under general or spinal anesthesia to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Your surgeon begins the procedure by cleaning the area and making an incision to access the bone and joint of your ankle. 

Your surgeon then removes the damaged parts of your ankle and replaces them with new artificial components. Your surgeon finishes the procedure by closing your incisions. 

After the procedure, you’ll likely experience some pain. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help relieve your discomfort as you recover. You’ll need to wear a splint for a few weeks to keep your ankle immobilized. 

In many cases, total ankle replacement is followed by physical therapy. Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC offers convenient onsite physical therapy to help patients regain stability and normal function of their ankle. 

What is ankle fusion?

Ankle fusion is another procedure used to treat severe ankle damage. Also known as ankle arthrodesis, this procedure fuses the bones of your ankle together. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the damaged cartilage from your joints and uses metal rods and plates to hold the bones of your ankle together. 

Damage to your cartilage can cause your bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Fusing the bones together eliminates your pain and restores the stability of your ankle. 

If you suffer from severe or chronic ankle pain, the orthopedic specialists at Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC can help you determine which treatment is right for you. The team offers a number of onsite diagnostics like MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans to develop the most accurate treatment plan for your damaged ankle. To find out if total ankle replacement is right for you, call or book an appointment online today.