Signs You May Need an Ankle Replacement

Pain or misalignment in the structures that surround the ankle joint can lead to poor posture and poor gait, both of which, if not corrected, can cause chronic pain and long-term damage. 

The total ankle joint replacement also known as ankle arthroplasty has now become more common in patients with disabling issues of the ankle joint or the structures surrounding it. 

In this surgical procedure, the ankle joint is replaced with an artificial joint made up of medical-grade titanium and polyethylene materials. The objective of the artificial joint is to be wear-resistant, function efficiently under weight-bearing, permit a normal range of motion, maintain alignment and stabilize the body. 

Indications you might need Ankle Arthroplasty 

1. Primary or post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is caused by inflammation, breakdown, and loss of cartilage (in the later stages) in the joints. The individual might experience severe pain in the ankle joint along with stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and crackles. If the osteoarthritis is chronic and the individual’s symptoms aren’t improving, ankle arthroplasty is a very viable option.

2. Chronic Ankle Pain 

If the ankle pain has not been resolved by all the possible non-surgical treatments and continues to persist, then going for arthroplasty is a good option because the ankle pain will restrict the individual’s mobility and create bad posture and gait, all of which can lead to a plethora of secondary problems. 

3. Fracture 

If it is a comminuted fracture or fracture that is very likely to mal-align during healing, it is better to go for ankle arthroplasty than to have risk the individual having a limited range of motion and mobility. 

4. Ankle instability 

An individual’s ankle joint might be more flexible from birth which might have led to too many ankle sprains during childhood or a certain activity that gives strain on the ankle joint directly can lead to ankle instability which in turn leads to over-stretching, tearing or loosening of the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint that might not heal completely. Ankle arthroplasty is a viable option in such cases. 

Ankle arthroplasty eliminates pain and can help an individual to be more physically active and hence have a better quality of life. 

The self-adaptive foot and ankle implants at DJO® including the STAR total ankle replacement are up-to-date with the recent advances and they aim to exceed the performance expectations of every surgeon and patient. Ask your foot and ankle surgeon what the best treatment option is for you.