What is ankle replacement surgery?
Ankle replacement (total ankle arthroplasty) is major surgery to reduce ankle pain. A surgeon removes the lower part of the shinbone (tibia) and the top of the highest bone on the foot (talus). The ankle is replaced with plastic or metal pieces. Sometimes part of only one bone is replaced.
Why is ankle replacement surgery done?
Ankle replacement is done for some people who have lots of pain or can barely move their ankle. The pain is usually caused by arthritis.
Your doctor will talk to you about whether ankle replacement is a good option for you. You may have tried medicine, exercise, or other treatments that don't involve surgery.
Your doctor might also talk to you about ankle fusion. It's another type of ankle surgery.
How is ankle replacement surgery done?
Your doctor may use general anesthesia. This means you'll be asleep during the surgery. But sometimes doctors use regional anesthesia. This means you can't feel the area of the surgery. You will feel sleepy, but you'll be awake. Which type of anesthesia you get depends on your doctor and on your overall health. Your doctor might also ask what you prefer.
Then the doctor makes a cut (incision) in your lower leg, where the ankle is. The doctor will remove some of the bones of your ankle and replace them with an artificial joint. The incision leaves a scar that usually fades with time.
After total ankle replacement: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- Your foot or toes are tingly, weak, or numb.
- Your boot or cast feels too tight.
- Your foot is cool or pale or changes color.
- You are sick to your stomach or can't keep down fluids.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in your leg.
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have a problem with your boot or cast.
- You do not get better as expected.
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