Ankle replacement surgery

Until a few years ago, there were limited effective treatments for ankle pain. Today, ankle replacement surgery offers a way to dramatically reduce ankle pain and help you stay active – from biking and working to playing with your grandchildren.

Also known as total ankle replacement, ankle replacement surgically replaces a damaged ankle with an artificial ankle joint.

Leaders in ankle replacement surgery

At Aurora Health Care, we’ve performed ankle replacement surgery since 2000. That means we successfully completed some of the first ankle replacements in Wisconsin. Since then, we have completed hundreds of ankle replacements, offering expertise that you can trust.

We offer:

• Highly skilled surgeons: Our ankle replacement orthopedic surgeons have fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery. That means that in addition to their specialty in orthopedics, they’ve completed extra education specifically focused on the complex ankle joint and foot. They also have years of experience providing successful ankle replacement surgery.
• Arthroscopic procedures: Some surgeons provide arthroscopic surgery. These procedures require smaller incisions, because surgeons can repair or replace the joint using small, specialized tools called arthroscopes. Arthroscopic surgery is known for less scarring and faster recovery.
• Comprehensive physical therapy: Specially trained orthopedic physical therapists can help you get back on your feet with comprehensive rehabilitation. Orthopedic physical therapy is available at convenient locations across eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Find orthopedic physical therapy.

Ankle replacement surgery: relieving arthritis pain

In the past, people with persistent ankle pain and stiffness had to choose between living with the pain and having an ankle fusion procedure. Ankle replacement offers an alternative treatment for ankle arthritis (joint inflammation and stiffness).

Arthritis can begin because of normal wear and tear, aging or an ankle injury such as a fracture. Learn more about arthritis.

Ankle replacement lets people maintain a range of ankle motion. Compared to ankle fusion, ankle replacement is less likely to cause arthritis to extend to neighboring joints.

Ankle replacement: open or arthroscopic surgery?

Your surgeon will help you choose the best surgical approach for you. We offer traditional open surgery (which has an incision of about two inches or more) and arthroscopic surgery, which uses small incisions and specialized tools. Both methods have advantages.

Open ankle replacement surgeries:

• Are shorter procedures
• Provide very clear access to the nerves and small bones of the ankle
• Make it simple for surgeons to manage complex reconstruction

Arthroscopic ankle replacement surgeries:

• Require two or more smaller incisions (about one-quarter inch each)
• May offer faster healing of the incisions and faster overall recovery
• Have less scarring

Preparing for ankle replacement surgery

Before your ankle replacement surgery, we’ll be there to answer your questions and help you prepare.

During your presurgical visit with your care team, you’ll learn about:

• Preparing your home for your return post-surgery
• Choosing a care partner who can help you after surgery
• Keeping your ankle elevated after surgery
• Using a boot, crutches or walker for several weeks
• Regaining strength and mobility through physical therapy after surgery
• Quitting smoking so that nicotine and other chemicals don’t interfere with your healing during surgery and recovery

How long does it take to recover from a total ankle replacement?

Ankle replacement recovery usually includes a stay of one or more nights in the hospital. During this time, we’ll care for you and help you begin moving. We may also offer slow-release anesthetics (pain relievers) to help you recover more comfortably.

After surgery, it’s important to keep your ankle elevated for several days to help it heal and minimize swelling.

You’ll probably return home within a day or two after surgery. Once you get home, you’ll need to keep weight off your new ankle for several weeks.

A few weeks after surgery, we’ll remove your sutures (stitches) or staples. We’ll also take an X-ray to make sure your ankle is healing properly. As the ankle heals, you’ll be able to put weight on it. Gradually, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities.

When do you start physical therapy after ankle replacement?

Depending on your doctor’s advice, you may begin range-of-motion therapy even while keeping weight off your ankle. As the ankle heals, you’ll begin other physical therapy.