Perform other procedures to make sure proper ankle and foot alignment. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for challenges and make plans for recovery. You wont be able to put any weight on your ankle for several weeks. Currently, our institute utilizes two different ankle replacement options. Recovery Period When end-stage bone-on-bone arthritis is present, there are two choices for surgery. Complete return to activity may take up to a year. The pain should begin to diminish over a few days, and you should have less pain than before your surgery. PMID: 32795097. It is not unusual for an ankle to be swollen even six to 12 months after the operation. Total Ankle Replacement Replacement of an ankle joint damaged by arthritis with a prosthesis made of plastic and metal. Make sure to keep all your follow-up appointments, so that your healthcare provider can monitor your progress. If the bone is too weak to support another replacement at that time, there are custom 3D printed options as well as the ability to convert the failed replacement to a fusion. We do not make your details available to any third parties nor do we send unsolicited emails to our members. After replacement surgery, your ankle will be in a splint, and youll need to use crutches. your account, or need to contact customer service, please, Ankle Replacement Surgery (Ankle Arthroplasty), Best Orthopaedic Hospital in North Carolina, Copyright 2004-2023 Duke University Health System, This page was medically reviewed on 04/06/2021. Your ankle will be elevated about 90% of the time, but you will be able to get up for meals and to use the bathroom using crutches. HSS has a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and physical therapists with extensive replacement experience. People with poorly controlled diabetes may also have an increased risk. Carefully reviewing your situation with your doctor to determine if youre a good candidate for this surgery is critical. Lateral (side view) and anteroposterior (front view) X-rays showing the implants of a total ankle replacement. But these may vary from patient to patient. Orthopedic surgeons present research on ankle implant designs for osteoarthritis at the 2021 AOFAS meeting. Dyke JP, Garfinkel JH, Volpert L, Sanders A, Newcomer M, Dutruel SP, Sofka CM, Ellis SJ, Demetracopoulos CA. Food and Drug Administration. The other surgical option is ankle fusion (arthrodesis). Registration is free and gives you unlimited access to all of the content and features of Which Medical Device. Ankle replacements can loosen over time. Ultimately, this will help maximize your chances of a successful outcome after surgery. Ankle replacement is for patients who are no longer able to manage their ankle arthritis pain and swelling with nonsurgical treatments such as: physical therapy ankle braces nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) corticosteroid injections Should I get an ankle replacement or an ankle fusion? Total Ankle Replacements FAQs - Washington University Orthopedics