Ankle replacement surgery

Need to know

• What happens during ankle replacement surgery? icon plus

  An ankle replacement can be carried out under a general anaesthetic (where you will be asleep) or a regional anaesthetic such as an epidural. Our world-leading surgeons use the latest cutting-edge techniques.
  
  Total ankle replacement is an operation to replace a worn-out ankle joint by resurfacing the ends of your tibia and talus with metal components with a plastic insert in between them to allow a gliding motion. The metal components are fixed into bones using pegs with a special coating. This encourages the patient’s bone to grow into them.
  

   

• Preparing  for an ankle replacement icon plus

  Like all procedures, there can be risks and side effects, but your consultant will explain these to you in your consultation and answer any questions you may have. If you're having a general anaesthestic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating or drinking beforehand. You will need to arrange for someone to help you get home from the hospital after your procedure.

• After ankle replacement surgery icon plus

  Total ankle replacement provides excellent-pain relief and good function but, like all joint replacements, is prone to wear and failure with time. 
  
  In most cases the range of motion after a replacement is better than before, but in some patients this is not the case, largely due to stiffness and scarring of the soft tissues. It is important you discuss the likely range of movement you should expect with your surgeon before having surgery. This will help you to have realistic expectations.
  
  If you have previously undertaken long walks/hiking, cycling and other sports such as golf, tennis or skiing - you should be able to return to these. Please bear in mind it may take up to 12 months before it is comfortable to do so.

  If you walked with a limp prior to surgery, because of pain, afterwards walking is likely to improve. If you have other problems in the foot causing a limp, this may persist.

• Risks of ankle replacement surgery icon plus

  The main risks of ankle replacements are due to the use of a new technology with uncertain long-term results. If further surgery is required a revision can either be to another ankle replacement or conversion to an ankle arthrodesis (fusion). 
  
  Other general complications following any ankle surgery include swelling, blood clots, infection, and nerve injury.  You will be provided with patient information guides, including potential risks, prior to any surgery.
  
  Patients with a history of infection, diabetes, severe deformity and poor bone quality may be considered unsuitable for ankle replacement surgery. It is important you are assessed by a specialist to determine the most suitable treatment.