 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
|
| THE PROBLEM Arthritis of the ankle means the smooth surface that covers the end of the bone (the "cartilage") has been lost and there are usually bone spurs around the joint. This often occurs after an injury or from diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, but it sometimes happens without any known cause. There are three choices for treating ankle arthritis: 1. Do nothing or wear a plastic brace for comfort |
 |
A total ankle replacement resurfaces the end of the tibia (the shin-bone) and the top of the bone immediately under it, the talus. We put a metal cap on each bone; the surface that faces the bone is covered with a rough surface that the bone eventually grows into. The other surface is smooth, and we put a plastic spacer in between the two metal pieces. The metal caps then glide on this piece of plastic as the joint moves.
| The main advantage of total ankle replacement over fusion is that you keep motion in the joint. While the ankle is not completely normal and most people have about half the normal up-and-down motion of a normal joint, this is probably enough to keep the stress off the other joints around the ankle and keep them from getting arthritis as the years go by. |
 |
 |
There are two designs of total ankle replacement that have been working well in recent years. We use one that was designed in Denmark that does not require a great deal of bone to be taken out.
AFTER THE SURGERY
One night's stay is usually required. You will have a bulky dressing in place. Keep your foot elevated above your heart as much as possible for the first week.
| 2 WEEKS: We will make sure your wound is healing well. IT IS VERY CRITICAL YOU KEEP THIS APPOINTMENT. Usually, we can take out your stitches and put you in a removable cast boot at this time. You can progressively begin to bear more weight, and if your wound is healed you can start gently moving the ankle. 1 MONTH: You can usually start putting all of your weight on the foot (still in the boot). 2 MONTHS: Most patients can begin weaning out of the boot. Start by wearing it only outside the house for two weeks, then not at all. We will let you know when it is safe to take each step. 4-6 MONTHS: You can usually return to your normal rountine, but you should avoid high impact activities. You will also need antibiotics whenever you have dental work. |
 |
| ANKLE TOPICS |
|
|
|
|
||
Home | Healthcare News | Patient Registration | Job Opportunities | Contact Us | Search
