Ankle replacement

Ankle Replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged parts of the three bones that make up the ankle joint with artificial joint parts (prosthetics).

Anatomy of the Ankle

The ankle is a joint that connects the foot with the leg. It consists of three bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia, also known as the shinbone, and the fibula, a smaller bone located next to the tibia, connect with the talus to form the ankle.

Indications for Ankle Replacement

Ankle replacement surgery, also known as ankle arthroplasty, is usually done to treat severe cases of arthritis in the ankle. This includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

Procedure

During ankle replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged parts of the tibia and talus. Then, the surgeon replaces these parts with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and maintain or improve ankle motion.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks involved with ankle replacement. These include infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and the possibility that the new joint might not work as well as expected.

Recovery

Recovery from ankle replacement surgery varies from person to person. It typically involves a period of rest and rehabilitation, including physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in the ankle.

See Also

• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Ankle arthroplasty

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