Ankle replacement

Definition

Ankle replacement is surgery to replace the damaged parts of the three bones that make up the ankle joint. Artificial joint parts (prosthetics) are used to replace your own bones. They come in different sizes to fit different-size people.

Alternative Names

Ankle arthroplasty - total; Total ankle arthroplasty; Endoprosthetic ankle replacement; Ankle surgery

Description

Ankle replacement surgery may be done while you are under general anesthesia. This means you will be unconscious and unable to feel pain. Or, you may have spinal anesthesia. You will be awake but will not feel anything below your waist. If you have spinal anesthesia, you will also be given medicine to help you relax during the operation.

Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in the front of your ankle to expose the ankle joint. Then your surgeon will gently push the tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to the side. After this:

• Your surgeon will remove the damaged bone.
• Your surgeon will reshape 3 of your bones that will remain in place:
  • The lower end of your shin bone (tibia)
  • The lower end of your smaller lower leg bone (fibula)
  • The top of your foot bone (talus) that the leg bones rest on
• The parts of the new artificial joint are then attached. A special glue may be used to hold them in place. Often, screws are also placed through the two leg bones (fibula and tibia) to help support the artificial ankle.
• A bone graft is created between the ends of the fibula and tibia. This makes your new ankle more stable.

After putting the tendons back into place, the surgeon closes the wound with sutures (stitches). You may need to wear a brace for a while to keep the ankle from moving.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Blood clot
• Infection

Risks for ankle replacement surgery are:

• Loosening of the artificial joint over time
• Nerve damage
• Blood vessel damage
• Bone break during surgery
• Ankle weakness, stiffness, or instability
• Dislocation of the artificial joint
• Allergic reaction to the artificial joint