Total Ankle Replacement (TAR)
Total Ankle Replacement Q&A
What is an ankle replacement?
Ankle joint replacement, also known as total ankle replacement or total ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical treatment for advanced ankle arthritis. This procedure involves removing parts of your ankle that are damaged by arthritis and replacing them with artificial implants.
Though not as common as knee replacements or hip replacements, ankle replacements have increased in success and popularity due to design improvements in modern ankle implants. Now, total ankle replacement is the preferred treatment to ankle fusion for end-stage ankle arthritis.
Why would I need an ankle joint replacement?
Ankle arthritis is the most common reason for an ankle replacement. Dr. Charles uses ankle replacement surgery to treat advanced cases of the two most common types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Your ankle joint is where your shin bone (tibia) meets the top bone of your foot (talus). In a healthy ankle joint, slippery cartilage cushions the ends of these bones and allows for smooth movement. When you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage wears down and may cause your bones to grind together painfully. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes your immune system to attack the tissues that surround your joint capsule. Both types of arthritis cause swelling, pain, and stiffness that can make it difficult or impossible to walk.
Before considering an ankle joint replacement, Dr. Charles will ensure you’ve tried every available nonsurgical treatment option. If you continue to suffer from pain and debilitating symptoms of ankle arthritis, he may recommend joint replacement surgery to improve your quality of life.
What should I expect from ankle replacement surgery?
It’s normal to feel nervous about ankle replacement surgery. You can rest assured knowing that Dr. Charles is board-qualified in complex foot and ankle procedures, including total ankle replacement. Before your procedure, he spends time answering any questions you may have so you can feel confident and prepared.
Ankle replacement surgery typically takes place in a hospital while you’re asleep under general anesthesia. Dr. Charles makes an incision in your ankle, and possibly another on your foot. Then, he carefully removes the damaged parts of your shin bone and talus before attaching new, prosthetic surfaces to the ends of your bones. Then, he closes the incisions. You can expect to be off of your operative foot for upwards of 4-6 weeks.
After surgery, Dr. Charles provides you with instructions on how to care for the incisions and works with you to create a plan for rehabilitation.
Learn More
Pain and swelling in joints of the ankle can be severely debilitating. For patients suffering from the painful effects of arthritis, Dr. Charles Sisovsky, DPM, AACFAS, at American Health Network, Optum Orthopedics, in New Albany, IN offers a number of treatment options to decrease inflammation and reduce pain. If you’re considering ankle replacement surgery, call Dr. Charles now or book an appointment online today.