When to Seek Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

Ankle issues such as arthritis or a bone fracture can reduce your range of mobility and cause ankle pain. A total ankle replacement (also known as ankle arthroplasty) can replace the joint's damaged cartilage and bone.

But when is ankle replacement surgery recommended? What are the risks involved? Here’s what you need to know about ankle arthroplasty before deciding if it’s a good option for you.

Total Ankle Replacement Surgery vs. Ankle Fusion

If you’ve suffered a loss of mobility and damage to the ankle joint, your orthopaedic physician may have already tried:

  • Pain medications

  • Bracing

  • Physical therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Activity modification

If your ankle pain persists, you may be presented with the option of a total ankle replacement surgery or ankle fusion. While ankle fusion has been around longer than ankle arthroplasty, it does have disadvantages.

Ankle fusion eliminates the joint, relieving pain. However, it also:

  • Affects your gait 

  • Impacts your range of motion

  • Can increase the risk of developing arthritis in the hindfoot 

Total joint replacement technology has come a long way in the past decade and is now much more mainstream. Today ankle arthroplasty patients have shown:

  • Lower readmission rates

  • Preserved mobility and range of motion

  • Decreased rates of arthritic damage

There are certain instances where a total ankle replacement isn’t right for the patient. For example, patients with a history of ankle infections, poor leg muscle function, ankle deformities, or poor blood flow to the leg may not be good candidates for a total ankle replacement. In general, physicians recommend total ankle replacement surgery for people over 55 years old. 

Risks and Recovery Time for a Total Ankle Replacement

Any joint replacement surgery has potential risks. Specific risks for total ankle replacement surgery include:

  • The artificial joint loosening over time

  • Weakness, stiffness, or instability of the ankle

  • Damage to the nerve or blood vessel

  • Wound-healing issues (present in less than 3% of cases)

As the implants for ankle joints have improved, patient satisfaction has increased. Current studies indicate about a 90% satisfaction rate in patients in their first four years after surgery.

Recovery time for a total ankle replacement is similar to an ankle fusion surgery but can vary from patient to patient. Patients will typically be in a boot for about six weeks with physical therapy starting two weeks post-op. 

Is Total Ankle Replacement Surgery Right for You?

If you are experiencing chronic ankle pain or reduced mobility, contact Eagle and Summit County’s premier ankle surgeon for a consultation. Dr. Elton is a foot and ankle specialist with orthopaedic clinics in Vail, Edwards, and Frisco, Colorado.  

Dr. Elton and his team will review your medical history and recommend a treatment option that’s right for you. Contact Team Elton today to back on your feet, doing the activities you love!

Team EltonVail Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery