Ankle Replacement Surgery

If you have severe ankle arthritis, ankle replacement surgery can restore your mobility, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, in Austin, Lakeway and Cedar Park, Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeons Pedro E. Cosculluela, MD, and Andrew M. Ebert, MD, specialize in treating ankle arthritis. Dr. Cosculluela and Dr. Ebert know how to place all of the commonly available implants and can help you return to your favorite activities. Call the nearest office to request an ankle replacement surgery consultation today, or make an appointment online.

What is ankle replacement surgery?

Ankle replacement surgery is an orthopedic procedure that replaces a diseased or severely damaged ankle joint with a prosthetic. The prosthetic relieves pain, retains your ankle joint’s range of motion, and keeps the injury from worsening.

Most types of ankle pain improve with conservative treatments, like rest, physical therapy, and activity modification. If your pain continues or keeps you from activities you love, contact Austin Foot & Ankle Institute.

Who is a candidate for ankle replacement surgery?

You need to be in good health to undergo ankle replacement surgery. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic condition that increases your risk of infection or circulatory problems, your doctor will recommend an alternative type of treatment. Procedures like ankle arthroscopy and ankle fusion are less invasive but provide similar results.

How do I prepare for ankle replacement surgery?

In the days leading up to your ankle replacement procedure, your doctor may ask you to stop smoking and using prescription medication. Certain classes of drugs, like blood thinners, may increase your risk of surgical complications.

Your doctor will explain what to expect during your recovery. For example, you might need friends or family members to assist you with bathing and toileting during the first few weeks. You may also need to take several medicines and attend follow-up appointments.

What happens during ankle replacement surgery?

Dr. Cosculluela and Dr. Ebert perform ankle replacement surgery at a nearby hospital. The procedure occurs under general anesthesia and takes two to three hours to complete.

After you fall asleep, your doctor removes the diseased or damaged portion of your ankle joint. He then replaces it with a prosthesis and may use pins, plates, and screws to hold your new joint in place.

At the end of the procedure, your doctor closes the incisions and moves you to a recovery room for observation. Your procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure or an overnight stay. 

What is recovery like after ankle replacement surgery?

After ankle replacement surgery, it takes 6-12 months to recover. Take all of your medication as prescribed, follow your doctor's instructions, and attend each of your physical therapy appointments.

Physical therapy uses a combination of stretches and strengthening exercises to restore your range of motion, flexibility, and balance. Make sure to practice the proper form to reduce the risk of injury.

Call the nearest Austin Foot & Ankle Institute office to see if you can benefit from total ankle replacement today, or make an appointment online.