Ankle Arthroplasty: A Life-Changing Surgery for Chronic Ankle

Chronic ankle pain can be devastating, affecting every part of your life. The continuous swelling, limited mobility, and discomfort can make even the simplest of tasks seem intolerable.

But what if there was a solution beyond pain medication or physical therapy?

Ankle arthroplasty, also known as ankle replacement surgery, is a life-changing procedure that can provide comfort for those suffering from chronic ankle pain. This surgical option includes replacing the damaged parts of the ankle joint with artificial mechanisms to ease pain and return function. While ankle arthroplasty is not always the first option, it can be a game-changer for those who have tried all other alternatives.

In this article, we will dive deeper into ankle arthroplasty, discovering what it is, who it's for, and what to expect from the procedure. So, if you or someone you know is stressed with chronic ankle pain, keep reading to learn more about this life-changing surgery.

What is ankle arthroplasty?

A variety of factors can cause chronic ankle pain.

It may be the outcome of a prior injury that has not fully healed, such as a fracture or sprain.

It can also be caused by medical conditions like gout, nerve damage, or arthritis.

In some cases, chronic ankle pain may be the result of repetitive strain on the ankle or overuse, such as in people or athletes who stand for a long time.

Symptoms of chronic ankle pain can include stiffness, limited mobility, and swelling.

These symptoms can make it hard to run, walk, or do everyday tasks. If not treated, chronic ankle pain can lead to more complications like chronic instability, decreased limit of mobility, and even the development of osteoarthritis.

When Ankle Arthroplasty is Recommended

Mostly, doctors will endorse non-surgical treatments like pain medication, physical therapy, and ankle braces as the first line of defense for chronic ankle pain. However, if these options do not work, ankle arthroplasty may be suggested.

Ankle arthroplasty is recommended for those who have acute ankle pain that has not improved with non-surgical treatments. It may also be recommended for those who have arthritis in the ankle joint or have experienced a huge loss of cartilage in the joint. 

What are the different types of ankle arthroplasty?

There are two main types of ankle arthroplasty: total ankle replacement and ankle fusion.

Total ankle replacement involves removing the damaged parts of the ankle joint and replacing them with artificial mechanisms, which are designed to impersonate the natural movement of the ankle joint. Total ankle replacement is the preferred option for those who have suffered a severe ankle injury or have arthritis in the ankle joint.

Ankle fusion, on the other hand, involves fusing the bones in the ankle joint together, which alleviates pain and removes motion in the joint. Ankle fusion may be recommended for those who have a history of smoking or poor bone quality or for those who have significant damage to the ankle joint or poor bone quality, which can raise the risk of complications with total ankle replacement.

Generally, ankle arthroplasty has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing a huge reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility.

Based on a study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, total ankle replacement has a success rate of around 80-90% for up to 10 years after the procedure. Ankle fusion has a slightly higher success rate of around 90-95% for up to 10 years after the procedure.

The Procedure:

Ankle arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes between two and three hours to finish, depending on the type of surgery being performed.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the ankle joint to access the damaged parts of the joint. They will then remove the damaged cartilage and bone and replace it with artificial mechanisms. In the case of total ankle replacement, the surgeon will use a combination of plastic and metal components to be like the natural movement of the ankle joint. In the case of ankle fusion, the surgeon will use plates and screws to hold the bones in the ankle joint together.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Ankle Arthroplasty

Recovery from ankle arthroplasty can differ depending on the person and the type of surgery performed. Mostly, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure to ensure that there are no complications and to monitor their pain.

After being discharged from the hospital, patients will need to wear a brace or cast to protect the ankle joint as it recovers. They will also need to use a walker or crutches to get around for some weeks after the procedure. Physical therapy may be suggested to help patients recover mobility and strength in the ankle joint.

What do we look for in an Ankle Surgeon?

1. Our Surgical Sources must be comfortable sending their family members to the surgeon.
2. The surgeon must specialize in ankle surgery and be a high-volume surgeon.
3. The surgeon must be board-certified and have a good track record of successful surgeries.
4. The surgeon must be performing the ankle arthroplasty weekly.
5. The surgeon must use the latest technology and equipment.
6. The surgeon must have good hand-eye coordination.

Surgeon Researcher - Final Words

The best predictor of successful surgery is the skill level of your surgeon. Surgeons are NOT created equal.

Studies, and our experience, show that patients who are operated on by the most skilled surgeons have lower rates of revision surgery, complications, infection, pain, opioid use, and death. The most skilled surgeons achieve the best surgical outcomes - providing you with the quickest recovery and best quality of life.

Finding the most skilled surgeon can be an impossible task if you do not work in the medical industry. Surgeon Researcher is here to change that.

The only sources that know how skilled a surgeon really is are in the operating room with surgeons on a consistent basis.

We talk to these sources.

We are the only service dedicated to finding patients like you the most qualified surgeons in the country by going straight to the source. Our goal is to equip you with all the information you need to make an informed choice about your health care.

Here at Surgeon Researcher, we prioritize the needs of our customers. We are advocates for the patients, not surgeons.

Don't risk your future quality of life. Get in touch with Surgeon Researcher so we can ensure a qualified surgeon is performing surgery. You can rely on us to be your advocate in the fight for better surgical outcomes.