Everything you need to know about total ankle replacement surgery
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A total ankle replacement, also called total ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical treatment option for patients suffering from ankle pain, typically due to arthritis or injury. If this pain is impacting a patient’s quality of life or keeping them from walking comfortably, they might benefit from a total ankle arthroplasty. While lesser known than a total hip, knee or shoulder replacement, total ankle replacements are gaining popularity.
Who is a candidate for a total ankle replacement?
If a patient suffers from ankle pain that affects their day-to-day routine, nonsurgical treatments sometimes do not relieve pain. This might include not being able to go on short walks, frequently needing support while standing, or the ankle pain becoming progressively worse over time. In these cases, a total ankle replacement may be an option. This procedure removes arthritic cartilage and part of the bone from the ankle joint to replace it with a prosthetic joint.
Typically, patients who are older than 50 who do not participate in high-impact activities, such as running and jumping, are the best candidates for this procedure. However, younger patients will also be considered if the surgery is in their best interest.
What are the benefits of a total ankle replacement?
Benefits of a total ankle replacement include:
- Pain relief
- Improved range of motion
- Better function
- Surrounding joints are not affected
What is life like after total ankle replacement surgery?
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities after a total ankle replacement, as long as those activities do not include excessive stress on the ankle. It is important to remember, however, that the recovery process does not happen overnight, and you must allow time for your ankle to heal properly. This can take up to a full year.
I recommend staying active by participating in low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling or yoga. These types of exercises are gentle on the joints and will prolong the life of the new joint.
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
