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Total Ankle Replacement

Living with chronic ankle pain can significantly hinder your daily activities and overall quality of life. If conservative treatments have failed to provide relief, total ankle replacement surgery may be a viable option to restore function and alleviate discomfort. 

At the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, we specialize in advanced surgical techniques to address complex foot and ankle conditions. If you’re considering ankle replacement, contact us to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.

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Topic at a Glance

  • Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant, often to treat severe arthritis and persistent ankle pain.
  • Candidates may include people with advanced ankle arthritis or arthritis caused by a previous injury when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief.
  • The procedure removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces the joint surfaces with artificial components designed to preserve ankle movement.
  • Recovery takes several months and may involve a period of restricted weight-bearing, a protective boot or cast, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments.

Related Services

Our Total Ankle Replacement Specialist​s​​

Do I Need Surgery?

Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.

What Our Patients Say

“One of the best doctors I have ever worked with concerning my joint issues. Knowledgeable, patient focused, and takes his time with you. I’ve had 4 joint replacements and he is the best. I would recommend him to anyone needing an ankle replacement.” — Edgar M.

What is Total Ankle Replacement?

Total ankle replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant. This procedure aims to relieve pain and restore mobility in patients suffering from severe ankle arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases. 

By preserving ankle motion, total ankle replacement offers an alternative to ankle fusion, which eliminates all joint movement.

Conditions Treated by Ankle Joint Replacement

Ankle joint replacement is primarily indicated for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, where the cartilage has worn away, causing bone-on-bone contact and significant pain. Other conditions that may necessitate ankle replacement include post-traumatic arthritis resulting from previous injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain deformities that impair joint function.

When conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and orthotics fail to relieve pain, surgical intervention may be necessary. In such cases, reconstructive surgery like total ankle replacement can provide significant benefits by restoring joint function and improving quality of life.

A patient at the doctor for a checkup after ankle replacement in Ohio.

Preparing for Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Preparation for total ankle arthroplasty involves several steps to ensure a successful outcome. Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies, to assess the extent of joint damage. Preoperative instructions may include:

  • Discontinuing certain medications that affect bleeding.
  • Ceasing smoking to promote better wound healing.
  • Arranging for assistance at home during the initial recovery period.
  • Starting physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles.
 

It’s crucial to discuss any medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, with your surgeon, as these may influence surgical outcomes.

The Total Ankle Joint Replacement Procedure

Total ankle replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or a nerve block. During the procedure, an incision is made in the front of the ankle to access the joint. Then your doctor will carry out the following:

  1. Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the ankle bones.
  2. The joint surfaces are prepared to accommodate the artificial implant.
  3. The prosthetic components are inserted and aligned to restore proper joint function.
  4. The incision is closed, and the ankle is placed in a splint or cast.
 

The artificial implant typically consists of metal and plastic components designed to mimic the natural movement of the ankle joint. The procedure usually requires a hospital stay of one to two days.

Risks of Ankle Replacement

Like any surgical procedure, total ankle replacement carries potential risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Nerve injury
  • Loosening or wear of the implant over time
  • Wound healing complications

Benefits of Ankle Replacement

However, the benefits often outweigh the risks for suitable candidates. Advantages of ankle replacement include:

  • Significant pain relief
  • Preservation of ankle motion
  • Improved mobility and ability to engage in an active lifestyle
  • Reduced stress on surrounding joints compared to ankle fusion
 

It’s important to note that not all patients are ideal candidates for ankle replacement. Factors such as poor bone quality, severe deformities, or certain medical conditions may lead your surgeon to recommend alternative treatments.

Recovery After Ankle Arthroplasty

Recovery from total ankle replacement surgery is a gradual process that typically spans several months. The general timeline includes:

  • Weeks 0–4: Non-weight-bearing period with the ankle immobilized in a cast or splint. Elevation is crucial to reduce swelling and promote wound healing.
  • Weeks 4–6: Transition to a removable boot and initiation of gentle range-of-motion exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist.
  • Weeks 6–12: Gradual increase in weight-bearing activities and strengthening exercises to restore function.
  • Months 3–6: Continued physical therapy focusing on balance, gait training, and increasing endurance.
  • Months 6–12: Return to most daily activities, with ongoing improvements in strength and mobility.
 

Adherence to your rehabilitation program is essential for optimal outcomes. Regular follow-up appointments will monitor the healing process and the integrity of the ankle implant.

Contact Us Today

If you’re experiencing chronic ankle pain that interferes with your daily life, total ankle replacement surgery may offer the relief you need. At the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced surgical solutions. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improved mobility and quality of life.

Medically reviewed by Roberto A. Brandão, DPM, FACFAS

FAQs About Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle replacement, also called total ankle arthroplasty, replaces damaged surfaces of the ankle joint with an artificial implant to relieve pain and improve mobility while preserving joint movement.

People with severe ankle arthritis and persistent pain despite treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and orthotics may be candidates. A surgeon evaluates joint damage, bone quality, overall health, and other factors before recommending surgery.

Total ankle replacement can relieve pain, improve mobility, and preserve ankle movement. For some patients, it may also place less stress on neighboring joints than ankle fusion.

Potential risks include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, wound-healing problems, and loosening or wear of the implant over time. Your surgeon can explain how your health and ankle condition may affect these risks.

Recovery generally takes several months and may extend to a year as strength, balance, and mobility improve. Patients may initially need to avoid putting weight on the ankle before gradually progressing to a boot, rehabilitation exercises, and increased activity as directed by their surgeon.

Our Total Ankle Replacement Specialist​s​

TERRENCE M. PHILBIN, DO

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

MARK A. PRISSEL, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon

RANDALL C. THOMAS JR., DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

COREY J. GRIFFITH, DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Dr. Robert Brandao

ROBERTO A. BRANDÃO, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon
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