What is an Ankle Replacement?

A person’s ankle is an intricate instrument that holds up the bodies weight. The ankle is made up of two joints. The true ankle joint and the subtalar joint make up what we all call the ankle.

The up and down motion of everyone’s foot is done with the true ankle joint. It has 3 different bones. The inside is formed by the tibia, the fibula, which makes up the outside part of the ankle, and the underneath bone is the talus.

If you are having problems with your ankle you should see a Plano Orthopedic surgeon to determine how severe your problem is. At the Plano Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Spine Center, they can help you with many different problems. They have a full staff of board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Each physician specializes in one or more areas for joint replacement and physical medicine.

What is an Ankle Replacement?

When you have a broken or fractured ankle, you have one or more of your ankle bones that are broken. They can be fractured or broken in many different ways and in different places. When a fracture is extremely severe your Plano orthopedic surgeon may recommend that your ankle be replaced.

An ankle replacement is also known as a joint replacement or arthroplasty. The ankle joint that is damaged is replaced with an artificial implant. If you have developed advanced arthritis in your ankle your doctor may recommend an ankle joint replacement.

When you have any ankle condition that disrupts your lifestyle and daily routines you may need a replacement. The badly damaged surface of the ankle joint may also need to be replaced. When you have a replacement of the ankle you should end up with better mobility and it usually is better than having an ankle fusion.

Procedure for Replacing an Ankle

A replacement ankle is done with surgery and it replaces damaged cartilage and bone in the ankle joint. Artificial parts or prosthetics are used in place of your bones.

You will be under general anesthesia. You will not feel the pain. Your surgeon will surgically cut the front of your ankle so the ankle joint is exposed. He or she will then push the nerves, tendons, and blood vessels aside. After this preparation is done, your surgeon will remove all the damaged cartilage and bone.

The tibia which is the lower end of your shinbone and the talus which is the top of your foot bone will be partially removed. Metal or plastic artificial joint parts will be attached to the bony surfaces. A piece of plastic will be used between the two metal parts. Some screws may be placed to help stabilize your ankle.

Your surgeon will then put the tendons, nerves, and blood vessels back in place and close up the wound. You will need to wear a cast, splint or a brace for about 6 weeks after the surgery. You will also need to support your weight for about a year with a cane or walker until you are completely healed.

Call POSMC today!

To schedule an appointment with one our specialists, contact our scheduling department at 972-250-5700 or request an appointment online.

POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries. The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today!