Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I K L M O P R S T U V

Ankle anatomy

Overview Recovery Risks

Ankle Replacement

Alternative Names: Ankle arthroplasty - total; Total ankle arthroplasty Expectations after surgery: The patient will be in the hospital up to four days. Physical therapy to improve ankle motion may be prescribed a few days after the procedure. To avoid swelling, the foot may be raised higher than the heart while sleeping or resting. Convalescence: Text Continues Below Recovery can take two to three months. The patient should stay off their 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. It is important to note that there are few, medium to long-term studies yet on the newer total ankle replacement procedures. Early results are promising, but complication rates may be as high as 25%. 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.