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Ankle Replacements
WHAT IS AN ANKLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE?
An Ankle Replacement procedure (also known as an Ankle Arthroplasty) replaces all parts of the natural surface of the ankle joint with an artificial cover known as a prosthesis. An ankle prosthesis is typically made of metal and plastic components. The metal components cover the surface of the damaged or diseased ankle joint and the plastic component acts as a buffer between the two and allows the new joint to move freely. In comparison to many other joint replacement procedures this operation more infrequently performed and many patients will be encouraged to have alternative and more traditional surgery such as an ankle fusion instead.
WHY IS AN ANKLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
An Ankle Replacement is usually performed on individuals who have sustained a significant impact injury to the ankle joint or individuals over the age of 55 who have experienced chronic and debilitating ankle pain that will not respond to non - surgical treatments. Joint 'wear and tear' between the surfaces of the shin bone (Tibia) and ankle/foot bone (Talus) caused by degenerative conditions such as Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis are the two most common reasons for performing an Ankle Replacement procedure.
HOW IS AN ANKLE REPLACEMENT OPERATION CARRIED OUT?
Ankle Replacement can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Spinal/Epidural/Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes around one and a half to two hours to complete and is performed with a patient positioned on their back on an operating table throughout the procedure.
A longitudinal incision is made on the front of the ankle in order for the Consultant Surgeon to move the skin and tendons out the way. A jig is then inserted and various cutting instruments are used to carefully reshape the surface of the Tibia and Talus bones in preparation to attach a new ankle joint prosthesis.
Following the insertion of the new prosthesis the wound is usually closed with absorbable stitches and the operated limb and ankle joint is covered and secured in place with a temporary plaster cast.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY LIKE?
Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid serious complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to take a few non weight-bearing steps with crutches or a walking frame and guidance from a physiotherapist the day after surgery. Following a progressive improvement of mobility on crutches and pain control patients are normally discharged from hospital two to three days following surgery. By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing a replacement and more light weight plaster cast or splint than their original cast, eating and drinking normally, walking confidently with the aid of crutches and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers).
Over the next six weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and partial weight bearing activities and walking distance.
Your Consultant Surgeon will then assess your ankle joints range of movement after six weeks and then again after three months to evaluate how successful your ankle replacement operation has been. Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take up to nine months to achieve.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ANKLE
REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
Although Ankle Replacement surgery is more commonly and successfully performed today than it has ever been, it is still performed more rarely than many other types of joint replacement surgery. This is probably because Ankle Replacement surgery is considered more prone to developing complications such as delayed healing and infection and it is therefore very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking such specialist surgery. All surgery, no matter how expertly or carefully it is performed carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I AM A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR
AN ANKLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE?
At NW Specialist Clinic our Consultant Surgeons will carry out a full evaluation of your individual symptoms and circumstances and provide you with a comprehensive verbal and written explanation of your condition and recommend the most appropriate solution to improve your condition.
Our expert Consultant Surgeons understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating Ankle Replacement surgery. Throughout your consultation you will be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment. If after your initial consultation you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a subsequent consultation
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