Are you struggling with the pain of arthritis in your ankle? Maybe you've been taking medication, doing physical therapy, and getting injections, but the pain still isn't going away. It's at a time like this that your doctor may have suggested ankle replacement surgery. What exactly is this surgery? Is it something to be afraid of? Let's talk about it all very simply and in a friendly way today.
Simply put, what is ankle replacement surgery?
Ankle replacement surgery is medically known as Ankle Arthroplasty . It is a very simple procedure. The worn-out, damaged bone and cartilage in your ankle joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant. This artificial joint is made of special plastic or metal. It works and moves just like your natural joint.
The main goal of this surgery is to relieve the severe pain you feel due to ankle arthritis and give you the strength to walk and work normally again, without pain.
But remember, this surgery is not recommended for everyone. First, the doctor will try non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. Only if all of these do not reduce the pain will the doctor consider this surgery.
How should I prepare before the surgery?
It is very important to prepare yourself both physically and mentally before a surgery like this. Because the rehabilitation period after the surgery is a bit long. So talk openly with your doctor and explain everything. There are a few things you need to do before the surgery.
| What to do | To put it simply, why... |
|---|---|
| Quitting smoking | Smoking delays wound healing and increases the risk of infection. |
| Maintaining a healthy weight | Being overweight puts more pressure on the newly implanted artificial joint, which can wear out quickly. |
| Starting physiotherapy treatment | Exercising before surgery strengthens the leg muscles and helps you recover faster after surgery. |
| Stopping certain medications | Some medications that reduce blood clotting may need to be stopped before surgery. Your doctor will advise you on this. |
Talk to your family and make plans.
You will not be able to put your operated leg down or put weight on it for about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. During this time, you will need to use crutches, a walker , or a knee scooter. So, it is very important to have someone to help you during this time.
- Is there someone to help with the groceries and cooking?
- Do you need someone to help you go up and down the stairs?
- If there is a pet at home, is there anyone to take care of it?
It will be much easier for you to talk about these things with your family in advance and plan accordingly.
What happens during the surgery?
On the day of your surgery, an anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia so that you don't feel any pain. In addition, you will be given a nerve block to numb only your leg. Then the surgeon will begin the surgery.
1. First, a small incision is made on the front or side of the leg, exposing the ankle joint.
2. Next, worn and damaged bone and cartilage fragments are carefully removed.
3. The bone surface is prepared to receive the new artificial joint.
4. Then the artificial joint (implant) is implanted .
5. The joint is checked to see if it is working properly and what its range of motion is.
6. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures and a cast or splint is applied to keep the leg immobile.
This entire surgery usually takes about two to three hours .
What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?
Like any surgery, this one has benefits as well as some very minor risks.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
| ✅ Loss of severe pain. | ❌ Blood clots. |
| ✅ Increased ankle strength and stability. | ❌ Infection. |
| ✅ Preservation of range of motion in the joint. | ❌ Looseness of the grafted parts. |
| ✅ Being able to walk normally. | ❌ Damage to nerves or blood vessels. |
| ✅ Being able to live a more active life. | ❌ Wear of implanted parts over time. |
Ankle replacement? Or welding the joint together?
Sometimes doctors recommend another surgery for ankle arthritis. This is called ankle fusion/arthrodesis . This involves permanently fusing the bones of the ankle together. This may relieve pain, but it also completely eliminates the ability to move the ankle joint. This can change the way you walk and cause arthritis in other joints.
But ankle replacement surgery preserves the joint's mobility, so you can walk more naturally. Your doctor will examine you and decide which surgery is best for you based on your needs.
How is the recovery time after surgery?
After surgery, you will usually stay in the hospital overnight. You may be able to go home the same day. The most important part is the recovery time after you go home.
- First 2 weeks: Your leg will be in a cast. You should keep your leg elevated as much as possible during this time. You may be able to walk a short distance with the help of crutches.
- After 2 weeks: Your stitches will be cut. You will then be given a removable boot.
- Between 4-6 weeks: You can gradually start putting weight on your leg. Physical therapy also begins at this time.
- After 3 months: You can wear regular shoes and engage in light activities. However, you will need to continue physical therapy.
It can take between 6 and 12 months to fully recover. During this time, it is very important to follow the physiotherapy instructions exactly for a speedy recovery.
When should I call the doctor?
If you experience any of the symptoms below after surgery, call your doctor immediately .
| Warning signs to look out for | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 | Excessive swelling in the ankle or foot. |
| 🚨 | Fever. |
| 🚨 | Pus or excessive bleeding from the suture site. |
| 🚨 | Signs of infection such as the wound becoming red, swollen, and feeling warm. |
The risk of developing these complications can be greatly reduced by eating a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, and following your doctor's instructions carefully. People with conditions like diabetes are at a slightly higher risk of developing complications, so they need to be extra careful.
Take-Home Message
- Ankle replacement surgery is a good solution for severe arthritis pain that has not been relieved by other treatments.
- This will relieve pain and preserve joint mobility, so you can lead an active life again.
- Your commitment is very important, both before and after surgery. In particular, you must follow the physiotherapy treatment exactly.
- It can take 6 to 12 months to fully recover. It is important to be patient with treatment.
- Discuss openly with your doctor what treatment option is best for you, and what its benefits and risks are.
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