Total Ankle Replacement?
Treatment Options
Non-surgical options (used for less severe arthritis)
In many cases, the symptoms of ankle arthritis can be treated without surgery. Some options that can relieve pain and aid mobility include:
Pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen
Shoe inserts such as pads and arch supports
Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), a plastic brace worn on the lower leg and foot
Steroid injections into the ankle
Surgical options (for less severe to moderately severe arthritis)
Debridement
A procedure that removes bone spurs and loose pieces of cartilage, if these are causing the ankle pain.
Surgical options (for severe arthritis)
Ankle Fusion
Ankle bones are fused together. Because the joint cannot move or bend, there is less pain, but there is often an irregular walking stride.
Total Ankle Replacement
An artificial implant allows the ankle to move and bend without pain. You regain a more normal walking stride. In fact, 4 out of 5 doctors surveyed agree that patients who undergo total ankle replacement have a better quality of life after the procedure!*
*based on a survey conducted by PearlDiver Technologies, Inc. in April, 2018
Is it time to consider Total Ankle Replacement?
TAKE THE NEXT STEPTotal Ankle Replacement vs. Fusion
Before total ankle replacement, most patients would get an ankle fusion to help relieve end-stage ankle arthritis pain. While ankle fusion is still an effective option for relieving ankle arthritis pain, it prevents motion and many studies1-5 have shown benefits of total ankle replacement over ankle fusion.
With Total Ankle Replacement you can maintain motion in the ankle, as the implant allows for movement similar to your natural ankle joint.
References:
- Pedowitz DI, Kane JM, Smith GM, Saffel HL, Comer C, Raikin SM. Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis: a comparative analysis of arc of movement and functional outcomes. Bone Joint J. May 2016;98-B(5):634-640.
- Seo SG, Kim EJ, Lee DJ, Bae KJ, Lee KM, Lee DY. Comparison of Multisegmental Foot and Ankle Motion Between Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Arthrodesis in Adults. Foot Ankle Int. Sep 2017;38(9):1035-1044.
- Dekker TJ, Hamid KS, Federer AE, et al. The Value of Motion: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Are Correlated With Range of Motion in Total Ankle Replacement. Foot Ankle Spec. Dec 1 2017:1938640017750258.
- Odum SM, Van Doren BA, Anderson RB, Davis WH. In-Hospital Complications Following Ankle Arthrodesis Versus Ankle Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Sep 06 2017;99(17):1469-1475.
- Younger AS, Wing KJ, Glazebrook M, et al. Patient expectation and satisfaction as measures of operative outcome in end-stage ankle arthritis: a prospective cohort study of total ankle replacement versus ankle fusion. Foot Ankle Int. Feb 2015;36(2):123-134.
- https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/ankle-fusion-or-ankle-replacement
- Stavrakis AI, SooHoo NF. Trends in complication rates following ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016;98(17):1453-1458.
- SooHoo NF, Zingmond DS, Ko CY. Comparison of reoperation rates following ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89(10):2143-2149.
- Younger AS, Wing KJ, Glazebrook M, et al., Patient expectation and satisfaction as measures of operative outcome in end-stage ankle arthritis: a prospective cohort study of total ankle replacement versus ankle fusion. Foot Ankle Int. Feb 2015;36(2):123-134.
For important risk information click here
Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks, anticipated implant duration and possible outcomes.
AP-016066