Ankle Arthroplasty

Ankle arthroplasty is indicated in cases where conservative treatment is not effective and pain and movement limitation compromise quality of life. Main indications include:

• Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis or advanced osteoarthritis affecting the ankle joint.
• Fractures: Complex ankle fractures that cannot be adequately treated with other surgical interventions.
• Cartilage Wear: Significant cartilage loss causing pain and movement limitation.

Symptoms that may indicate the need for arthroplasty include:

• Intense Ankle Pain: Persistent pain that doesn't improve with conservative treatment, such as medications and physical therapy.
• Joint Stiffness: Difficulty moving the ankle, resulting in loss of mobility.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Chronic swelling that affects normal ankle function.

The procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Patient receives general or regional anesthesia, depending on surgery extent and patient health.
2. Incision: An incision is made in the anterior part of the ankle to allow access to the joint.
3. Removal of Damaged Joint: Surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces, replacing them with prosthetic components, which can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
4. Implant Placement: Implants are positioned in the ankle joint to allow smoother movement and relieve pain.

Recovery after ankle arthroplasty can vary from patient to patient, but generally includes:

• Physical Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is fundamental to recover strength and range of motion. Exercises typically begin within days to weeks after surgery.
• Pain Control: Pain management is performed by a team of experienced anesthesiologists.
• Use of Assistive Devices: Crutches or walkers may be used to assist with mobility during recovery.
• Medical Follow-up: Regular consultations with the surgeon to monitor recovery and evaluate ankle function.