HEALTHGRADES #1 Joint Replacement in Pennsylvania
The Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals that deliver superior patient outcomes in knee replacement and hip replacement. Advanced Surgical Hospital takes pride in serving our Pennsylvania community, and it’s meaningful to us to be recognized at a state level as well as a national level.
What is Total Ankle Replacement Surgery?
A total ankle replacement (also called ankle arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure used to treat ankle arthritis. If you have ankle arthritis, the neighboring joints usually compensate for the loss of mobility. This reconstructive surgical procedure can help reduce ankle pain, preserve ankle motion, increase joint stability, and protect the other joints in your foot from developing arthritis.
During this specific form of ankle surgery, arthritic portions of your ankle joint will be removed, and the damaged parts will be replaced with prosthetic implants (metal and plastic parts). These new prosthetics will move and work like a healthy, natural ankle joint.
When is Total Ankle Arthroplasty Needed?
Specially trained foot and ankle surgeons will only recommend ankle replacement when the following conservative treatments have not been able to manage or relieve pain:
- Orthotics (such as ankle braces or shoe inserts)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Occasionally, stem cell injections can be utilized
Would I Qualify as an Eligible Candidate for a Total Ankle Replacement?
You may qualify as an eligible candidate for an ankle replacement if you have severe ankle arthritis. If you do not qualify, your specialist may recommend other procedures, such as ankle arthroscopy or ankle fusion surgery.
You may not be an eligible candidate for ankle replacement if you:
- Have a severe ankle deformity
- Have bone infections
- Have peripheral neuropathy
- Have poor bone quality
How is a Total Ankle Replacement Performed?
Typically, ankle replacements are performed under general anesthesia, or you are given a nerve block. Once the anesthetic is rendered:
- The incision site will be cleansed.
- An incision in the front or side of your ankle will be made to access the affected joint.
- Next, the damaged parts of your cartilage and bone will be removed.
- Your ankle replacement specialist will then insert the perfectly sized artificial implant(s) into your ankle joint.
- Once the pieces are in place, your surgeon will check your range of motion.
- Sometimes, orthopedic surgeons may need to perform additional procedures to ensure your foot and ankle are properly aligned.
- Once complete, your surgeon will close the incision site, immobilizing your ankle with a splint.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Total Ankle Replacement?
Typically, the recovery time from a total ankle replacement can range from three months to twelve months. You will have to wear a splint or cast to keep your ankle immobilized. You may also choose to use a walker or crutches to help you avoid putting weight on your ankle. You may also be asked to take medication to help prevent blood clots.
Your surgeon may recommend that you return for follow-up visits and scans to ensure you are healing properly after your ankle replacement. A few weeks after surgery, and when the incisions are healed, you will be informed as to when it’s safe to start physical therapy.
Ankle Replacement Success Rate
Ankle replacements are generally very successful! According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, “In 90% of cases, the replacement lasts 10 years.” However, as is the case with artificial knee and hip replacements, some people will need to have a second ankle surgery.
To minimize your chances of needing additional surgery, you can:
- Avoid high-impact activities that strain your ankle
- Maintain a healthy weight
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, total ankle replacement carries potential risks and complications. While these occurrences are rare, it’s important to be aware of the possibilities, which include:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage or numbness
- Loosening or wear of the implant over time
- Bone fractures around the implant
- Potential need for revision surgery in the future
Our team takes every precaution to minimize these risks, and we will discuss all potential concerns with you prior to surgery to ensure you are fully informed.
How to Choose the Right Specialist for Your Ankle Replacement Surgery
Choosing the right specialist for your ankle replacement is crucial to achieving a successful outcome. At Advanced Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, we offer:
- Expertise: Our team consists of fellowship-trained surgeons specializing in foot and ankle procedures, ensuring you receive top-tier care.
- Advanced Techniques: We use the latest surgical methods and technology, optimizing precision and improving recovery times.
- Comprehensive Care: From your initial consultation through post-surgical follow-up and physical therapy, we provide a seamless continuum of care tailored to your needs.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort and well-being are our priorities. We work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are ready to be in less pain, a total ankle replacement could provide the relief you have been searching for! Contact us today (724)-225-8657 to schedule appointments at either McMurray, PA or Washington, PA locations.
The QUANTUM® Total Ankle System is designed to address the complexity of TAR and allow reproducible outcomes for everysurgeon.
Simplified Patient Specific Tools:
- Software designed to provide complete visualization during case pre-planning
- Reconstruction and planning using CT scan and weight-bearing X-rays
- 3D printed, custom tibial and talar cutting and drilling guides
- Surgeon has full control of implant placement prior to case validation
- Current US Users: Click here to access the planning portal.
Intuitive Instrumentation:
- Two single-level trays for manually instrumented procedure
- Streamlined procedure and tray design reduces the dependency on specialists
Tibial Components:
- Curved medial profile and lateral fibular contour
- Unique cross-shaped keel for rotational stability and direct axial loading
- Side-specific, Standard and Long versions, in sizes 2 through 6, to cater to patient anatomy
- Designed to rest on the cortical rim
- Titanium alloy with titanium porous coating
Tibial Inserts:
- Side-specific implants for sizes 2 through 6, in 8 thicknesses (5-15mm)
- Dovetail locking feature
- Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
Talar Components:
- Side-specific, Standard and Flat-Cut varieties, in sizes 2 through 6
- Double radius of curvature, and tronconic shape, designed to replicate healthy ankle kinematics
- CoCr with titanium porous coating
