If arthritis has damaged your ankle joint, it may be time to consider total ankle replacement surgery. The experienced podiatric foot and ankle surgeons at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery use advanced surgical techniques and innovative joint implants to restore function in your ankle joint and provide long-lasting arthritis pain relief. To find out if you’re a candidate for total ankle replacement surgery, call the office in Burbank, Santa Clarita, or Northridge, California, or book an appointment online today!
request an appointmentWhat is total ankle replacement?
Total ankle replacement is a surgery to replace a damaged ankle joint with an artificial device. The artificial device functions just like your natural joint to restore joint function and mobility.
Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery offers total ankle replacement procedures using either STAR™ or INBONE™ technology.
STAR total ankle replacement
Scandinavian total ankle replacement (STAR) uses a non-cemented implant to replace ankle joints that experience damage from arthritis.
INBONE total ankle replacement
INBONE total ankle replacement uses a wear-resistant, polyethylene implant to replace damaged ankle joints and improve mobility and range of motion.
Why would I need total ankle replacement surgery?
You may be a candidate for total ankle replacement surgery if you have chronic pain or disability due to ankle conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis.
The Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery providers may recommend a total ankle replacement for advanced arthritis conditions that aren’t treatable with medications, physical therapy, or other non-surgical strategies.
The providers use X-rays and other imaging technologies to assess the damage in your ankle joint and determine if ankle replacement surgery is right for you. You should be healthy enough to tolerate surgery and anesthesia.
Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery provides guidance to help you prepare for surgery and plan for your recovery.
What happens during total ankle replacement surgery?
During total ankle replacement surgery, your podiatric surgeon makes an incision over your ankle joint and inserts specialized instruments to remove damaged bones and soft tissues. They place the implant into position and ensure it’s working properly before closing your incisions.
The Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery providers manage your pain after surgery, and you can expect to wear a splint or boot for several weeks to support your new joint. You may also need to use a walker or crutches to keep pressure off your ankle.
While everyone heals at their own pace, you may need to limit your activities for several months to heal fully and participate in physical therapy. The providers check your progress during follow-up visits to the office. They can let you know when it’s safe to return to work.
Call Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery to find out if you’re a candidate for total ankle replacement surgery or book an appointment online today.