A total ankle replacement, or ankle arthroplasty, is performed when the tissues and structures of the ankle joint are damaged beyond natural repair. In this surgery, the bone surfaces and other tissues are removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
The artificial components are generally made of medical-grade titanium and polyethylene materials. After you recover from an ankle replacement, you should regain most of your previous level of mobility and enjoy a much more pain-free lifestyle.
Why Do I Need a Prosthetic Ankle?
There are several main reasons why orthopedic surgeons recommend that patients have ankle arthroplasty, including the following:
Advanced Arthritis
Severe osteoarthritis affecting the ankle joint is a common reason that patients have the joint replaced. Swelling and inflammation within the ankle area causes stiffness and pain as the cartilage wears away due to arthritis. The ankle may even become immobilized.
Similarly, debilitating rheumatoid arthritis places you at risk of needing an ankle replacement. The disorder may erode the bone in the ankle joint and cause deformity and disability.
Chronic Ankle Pain
Chronic pain that settles in the ankle may be a sign that the ankle needs replacing. The pain may be the result of a sports injury or trauma caused by an accident or a fall.
Disability
Limited mobility and the loss of the ankle’s range of motion are also signs that may necessitate an ankle replacement when other treatments fail to work.
Weakness in the Ankle
Extreme weakness in the ankle is usually a sign that the bones in the ankle are deteriorating. An ankle replacement will therefore enable you to regain mobility and function in your leg and ankle.
Ankle Instability
Multiple ankle sprains, especially during childhood, can create the perfect storm that requires ankle surgery. People who repeatedly sprain their ankle playing sports, for instance, may find that the ankle has become less stable than before. Instability produces more opportunities for spraining again, as the ligaments are weak from over-stretching. Ligaments can also become loose if they are torn and do not heal completely.
Fracture
Severe ankle fractures that heal improperly can lead to a lack of proper range of motion in the ankle joint. Having a total ankle replacement may be the ideal solution to fix this problem and restore full capability.
Experienced Orthopedic Surgeons in North Dakota
Ankle replacement surgery is just one of the many orthopedic issues addressed at The Bone & Joint Center. We perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, and we offer a full range of therapy options – from hand therapy to occupational therapy.
We have offices conveniently located across North Dakota, and we serve patients throughout the state as well as patients from Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Our orthopedic services are second to none.
If you’re experiencing chronic ankle pain, arthritis pain, or a musculoskeletal injury, contact our friendly team today by calling us at (800) 424-2663 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back in step!
