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Ankle replacement

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Ankle arthroplasty - total; Total ankle arthroplasty

Expectations after surgery:

After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for up to 4 days. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to improve ankle motion. To avoid swelling, the foot may be raised higher than the heart while sleeping or resting.

Convalescence:

Recovery can take 2 - 3 months. You should stay off your foot for several weeks, and use a walker or crutches. High-impact activities, such as step aerobics, should be avoided while recovering from ankle replacement surgery.

A successful ankle replacement will eliminate pain and allow the ankle to move up and down. In general, total ankle replacements last from 10 to 15 years, depending on the patient’s activity level and overall health.

Discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your health care provider.

References:

Su EP, Kahn B, Figgie MP. Total ankle replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Orthop Relat Res . 2004 Jul;(424):32-8.

Knect SI, Estin M, Callaghan JJ, et al. The Agility total ankle arthroplasty. Seven to sixteen-year follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Am . 2004 Jun;86-A(6):1161-71.

Hebert MB, Coetzee JC. The Agility Total Ankle Replacement: A Prospective Outcome Study with Minimum Two Year Follow-Up . Washington, DC. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 2005 Annual Meeting. Podium Presentation. February 24, 2005. Paper No: 126.

• Review Date: 5/6/2007
• Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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