Ankle Procedures
If you suffer from ankle pain, the cause may be arthritis. This is caused by years of normal wear and tear on the joint, or the result of an injury such as a broken ankle, fracture or dislocation. Arthritis eventually leads to a loss of cartilage and pain. Patients may opt for ankle replacement surgery due to pain that interferes with everyday activities.
Ankle Replacement
Total ankle replacement, or total ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to treat ankle arthritis.
The goal of total ankle replacement is to improve ankle motion so the patient has less pain during activity. Ankle replacement is considered in patients that experience ankle pain and decreased function from arthritis after trying conservative management such as anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, physical therapy, activity modification and pain medication. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are usually good candidates for ankle joint replacement. Other patients may need a fusion-type procedure that would eliminate the motion at the ankle joint.