Ankle  Replacement Surgery

The thought of surgery of any kind can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. Read further to learn facts about the reasons, the basic process, and the desired outcome of ankle replacement surgery. Learning about this process can help provide confidence and reduce anxiety associated with having surgery. 

WHAT IS ANKLE REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Ankle replacement surgery is used to replace arthritis-ridden ankles that have reduced or eliminated the patient’s mobility, prohibiting him or her from working and reducing the quality of life for the individual. This procedure also reduces the risk of deformity caused by arthritis by removing the swollen ankle and replacing it with a surgical replacement.

This type of surgery also helps people that sustain injuries to their ankles from skiing, car accidents, ice skating, and other forms of injury. Replacement surgeries for the ankle have become more common in the last decade, with many claiming this type of surgery gave their lives back to them.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE ANKLE REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

If you have arthritis, the surgery removes the arthritic joint, thereby removing the cause of pain. After the healing process has completed, any pain in the ankle is minor, allowing you the full benefit that a pain-free, completely mobile life can have. It restores your opportunities of a healthy, active lifestyle, providing benefits to your health in the present and the future.

If you have suffered from a shattered ankle due to an accident or trauma from a sport, the replacement ankle will restore the mobility you enjoyed before the traumatic event.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY?

This surgery will remove the bone, ligament, and cartilage that is swollen, tender, and immobile, providing greater daily comfort, reduced pain (after healing from the surgery), and a greater quality of life.

The doctor will replace the arthritic joint with a metal socket that is placed between the tibia and fibula. The bone is shaped to fit the socket, then screwed into place so that it doesn’t move or shift after the surgery. Finally, bone is grafted between the tibia and fibula so there is reinforcing fusion between the two bones. This provides additional support and stability. When the patient has healed, the socket will serve to provide mobility while replacing the cause of the pain- the arthritic joint.

Source: MichiganPodiatry

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

 Houston Foot & Ankle Surgical

Foot and Ankle, Dr. Orlando Rivera, Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialist, Foot and Ankle Podiatry, Houston Foot & Ankle Surgical, Treatment of Foot and Ankle, Foot & ankle specialists, Podiatrist in houston, podiatrist in houston, Orlando H.Rivera DPM, Houston Foot Doctor, Foot and Ankle Surgeon Houston, Ankle and Foot Specialist Houston, Podiatrist Houston, Foot Pain Houston.