Ankle replacement surgery replaces a damaged ankle with an artificial one. When other treatment options fail to produce desired results and conditions such as arthritis cause severe pain and swelling, your provider may recommend ankle replacement surgery.
At Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery, our experienced team of podiatric surgeons can skillfully carry out ankle surgery if you need one in Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Northridge, California.
Learn more about why and when you need ankle replacement surgery and what you can expect from the procedure.
What is ankle replacement surgery?
When your ankle joint becomes damaged due to arthritis or other conditions, ankle replacement surgery may be vital to help you walk easily again. The procedure is also known as ankle arthroplasty.
The surgery replaces the damaged ankle joint causing you pain. The artificial joint contains metal joints with a plastic piece inserted in between. After removing the damaged parts of your ankle, your surgeon will attach the artificial joint.
Who is an ideal candidate for ankle replacement surgery?
We recommend ankle replacement surgery for people with severe arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes significant pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most common forms of arthritis that affect the ankle are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have mild to moderate arthritis, your doctor considers other treatment options first. Factors such as age, other medical conditions, and bone density also determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Your surgeon is the best professional to make the final call on whether ankle replacement surgery is right for you.
If your ankle is significantly misshapen, you may not be a good fit for this surgery. People who have diabetes, obesity, bone infections, or circulatory problems may also be too high risk for surgery.
What to expect from ankle replacement surgery
During the ankle replacement surgery, we administer general anesthesia, meaning you feel no pain. After the procedure, we recommend keeping your weight off the foot with your new ankle as you heal, and using crutches or a wheelchair as needed while you recuperate.
You should expect moderate pain in the weeks following the surgery. Your doctor administers painkillers to help deal with the pain. You can expect your foot to heal and resume regular daily activities a few months after the surgery. Complete recovery may take anywhere between six to twelve months.
At Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery, we can handle your podiatry concerns, including ankle replacement surgery. To find out if you are an ideal candidate and learn more about the procedure and what to expect, book an appointment online today or call 818-848-5588 for a consultation at one of our offices.