Total Ankle Replacement Specialist

What is a total ankle replacement?

As the name implies, total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure where medical grade plastic or titanium prosthetic pieces replace your ankle joint's bones. Ankle replacement surgeries are advisable when less invasive treatments and pain management techniques haven’t been successful.

Why would I need an ankle replacement?

The board-certified foot and ankle surgeons at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center perform total ankle replacement surgeries to address various conditions and symptoms including:

• Advanced osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Severe fractures
• Infections
• Tumors

In most cases, you need to have an ankle replaced because your condition's pain hampers your mobility, to the point that it’s a struggle to go to work, school, or social events.

What happens during an ankle replacement?

The doctors at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center perform ankle replacement surgeries while you’re under a general anesthetic or a nerve block. Depending on your specific condition and the implant, they make an incision in the side or back of your ankle.

They cut your bone to make space for the plastic and metal joint replacement components. Then they fit the replacement pieces in place and secure them with pins or screws if necessary.

If your calf or Achilles tendon is tight, they’ll also perform a lengthening procedure to extend your range of motion.

When the ankle replacement procedure is complete, your doctor closes your incision with stitches and applies a splint.

What should I expect during recovery from ankle replacement surgery?

Most people stay overnight after their ankle replacement surgery. Your doctor applies a cast to immobilize your ankle while the prosthetic pieces bond with your bone and your tendons and ligaments attach.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on care and follow-up appointments, but in most cases, you need to stay off your ankle for a few weeks, keeping your foot elevated for the first day or two following your surgery. You may need crutches or a scooter to get around without putting pressure on your joint.

As you recover, you have physical therapy sessions to rebuild your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

If ankle pain is severely disrupting your life, call or schedule an appointment online today to find out if total ankle replacement surgery is the right procedure to resolve your pain and get you back on your feet.