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 Ankle joint replacement

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Best Ankle joint replacement Surgery in MRC Nagar, Chennai

Overview of Ankle Joint Replacement

Ankle joint replacement is the process of removing the damaged ankle joint and replacing it with a prosthetic. You may experience pain, swelling, and inflammation if you have a damaged ankle joint. In such cases, the surgery can have a lot of benefits. If you think you need it, you can consult an orthopedic surgeon near you. 

What is Ankle Joint Replacement?

The ankle joint is where the shinbone is joint over the bone of the foot. The talus and tibia make up the ankle joint. Ankle joint replacement replaces these damaged or injured parts with a metal one. The doctor will place a piece of plastic between the metal parts that will help proper movement.

Who Qualifies for Ankle Joint Replacement? 

If you have already tried the following procedures but have not found relief, you may need an ankle joint replacement.

  • Ankle braces
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
  • Corticosteroid injections

If you think you need an ankle joint replacement, do consider consulting an orthopedic surgeon in Chennai.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Why is Ankle Joint Replacement done? 

In most cases, people who have arthritis need an ankle joint replacement. Arthritis can be of three types.

  • Osteoarthritis - the kind that usually affects older people because of wear and tear.
  • You can have rheumatoid arthritis that is an autoimmune disease.
  • Arthritis due to past injuries.

In the case of mild arthritis, pain medication and physical therapy can help. However, in case of severe arthritis, you may need ankle joint replacement. It is best to talk to an orthopedic surgeon near you about this.

Ankle Joint Replacement: The Procedure

The surgeon will give you general anesthesia. After cleaning, they will make an incision at the muscle of the ankle and probably another one at the foot. After removing the damaged parts of the talus and shinbone, the doctor will place the metal joint there. They will also place plastic pieces between the metal ones to help them glide smoothly. Finally, the surgeon will close the incisions.

What are the Benefits of Ankle Joint Replacement?

There are a lot of benefits of ankle joint replacement. Here are a few of them:

  • It relieves pain 
  • It replicates the natural movement of an ankle
  • You can go back to normal walking and work after a few months of surgery
  • The procedure retains flexibility which ankle fusion cannot
  • The surgery has a lower rate of reoperation

What Are Some Risk Factors Associated With Ankle Joint Replacement?

Ankle joint replacement is a pretty successful procedure. But there can be a few risks to it, like any other surgery. Here are some of them:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clot
  • Injury or damage to nerves near the wound
  • Misalignment of bones
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Arthritis in the nearby joints
  • Loosening in implant components
  • Wearing of the surgery components

Conclusion

Ankle joint replacement is the best option for severe arthritis. It has many benefits, but there are chances it may not be necessary for you as well. You may consider talking to your orthopedic surgeon about it as they will know which option is suitable for you.

After the surgery, you must also try to follow their instructions for a speedy recovery.

References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ankle-replacement-surgery

https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/ankle/total-ankle-replacement-surgery-for-arthritis.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ankle-surgery/about/pac-20385132

Will I experience pain after ankle joint replacement surgery?

You will most probably experience a significant amount of pain for a few days after the surgery. But the surgeon will prescribe pain medicine for it, and after a few weeks, the pain should be better than the one you experienced before surgery.

Is ankle joint replacement surgery better than ankle fusion?

There are a lot of things that you need to take into consideration for making this decision. The doctor will take note of your age, the severity of arthritis, and other medical conditions.

A few things that can hinder you from getting ankle joint replacement are:

  • Poor bone quality
  • Unstable ankle ligaments
  • Infection in or around your ankle
  • No ankle movement

What can I expect after the ankle joint replacement surgery?

After the procedure, you may have to stay in hospital for a couple of days. You will experience pain, and you have to wear a splint for a couple of weeks. The healthcare provider will let you know how to move your leg while you recover.
If you witness a high fever and chills, you should consult your surgeon immediately. You may also have to keep up with all your follow-up appointments as the doctor will monitor your progress in them. After a few months, you can return to regular life.

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