Much like joint replacement in the hip, knee, shoulder and spine, joint replacement is now available for the ankle.

If ankle arthroplasty with stem cells is not possible then ankle replacement surgery should be considered before ankle fusion.

Ankle Joint Replacement Instead of Joint Fusion

Freedom from pain with the help of an ankle prosthesis Ankle injuries are usually characterised by severe pain and restricted movement. If ankle arthritis has already reached an advanced stage, there are two courses of treatment: joint fusion and joint replacement.

Up until a few years ago, the most common treatment for ankle injuries was to fuse the bones of the joint. Since then, medicine has caught up and new technology has arrived. Modern prostheses provide a wide range of movement, allowing patients to take part in certain sports after surgery.

What happens during an ankle joint replacement?

To begin with, a 6 centimetre long incision is made and tendons that are in the way are pulled aside. The joint capsule is then removed – this is a process in which a certain amount of bone is removed. Afterwards, the prosthesis is inserted and correctly positioned using modern technical equipment. This ensures maximum mobility once the operation is complete.

What sort of load can you expect to put on your ankle after surgery?

Patients with a prosthesis usually do not experience any form of pain. The patient’s gait will usually realign itself once the wound has healed, and in due time normal weight bearing will be possible. However, even with the most modern technology, movement will still be slightly restricted. This makes taking part in professional sports or or dangerous sports more difficult.

If a patient is considering such a surgery, we suggest contacting us through the contact form on the Write or Call Us page.