Ankle joint replacement

Best Ankle joint replacement Treatment & Diagnostics in Karol Bagh, Delhi

Overview of ankle joint replacement

Ankle joint replacement is a surgical procedure for replacing the injured joints with implants. Sometimes, due to arthritis or other diseases, it becomes difficult to move the ankle or perform daily activities. Most of the patients do not require surgery but in case of severe symptoms, ankle joint replacement surgery is performed.

It is a complex process and requires expert surgeons. If you have ankle pain or other complications, visit the best orthopedic surgeon in Delhi.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Understanding ankle joint replacement

The ankle joint is important for the movement of feet and enables you to walk. In an ankle joint replacement surgery, your surgeon will make multiple incisions near the damaged tissues.

Cuts are usually made towards the front of the ankle. The affected bones are scraped and the metal implants are inserted. This recreates an ankle joint. The ankle, the joints and the foot are aligned appropriately to correct the defects.

Artificial implants are attached to bones using special glue. A plastic piece is inserted between the artificial implants and is stabilized with screws. The cuts are stitched and you might need to wear a splint. These splints give your ankle space to swell and to keep it safe from injury.

Who qualifies for an ankle joint replacement?

Ankle joint replacement surgery is recommended for patients who have severe arthritis in the ankle due to some past injury or surgery in the joint. The primary type of arthritis affecting the ankle joints are-

• Rheumatoid arthritis- is an autoimmune disease that affects and harms the joints.
• Osteoarthritis- is commonly seen in older people because of the wear and tear in joints.

Some of the common symptoms are-

• Inflammation in ankles
• Pain and redness near the joint
• Difficulty in walking and moving the ankles
• Pain extending in the upper as well as the lower part of the leg 
• Stiffness in legs and mainly around the ankles.

The surgery is advised after the medicines, physiotherapy, injections, etc, and when they are unable to give positive results. 

Before undergoing the surgery you must get a complete physical check-up done by the doctor along with some imaging tests and blood tests. It is advised to not take any anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medicines two weeks before the surgery. 

Several factors are taken into consideration before the procedure such as your age, the severity of arthritis, any deformities in the ankle, your physical activity level, weight, habits, etc.

Why is ankle joint replacement conducted?

Ankle joint replacement surgery is performed to rectify any extreme conditions or damage in the ankle joint. In the surgery, the surgeon operates on the upper part of the talus (foot bone) or the lower part of the tibia (shin bone).

Other than arthritis some of the other reasons for the procedure are-

• Infection
• Fracture in the bone
• Tumors

Benefits of ankle joint replacement surgery

A successful ankle joint replacement surgery will give you the following benefits-

• Improve the mobility of the ankle
• Reduced pain, redness and stiffness
• Long-lasting surgery (more than ten years)
• Gives a natural look and feel to the ankle joints
• Ease in performing day-to-day activities
• Corrects ankle and joint deformities

Complications associated with ankle joint replacement surgery

After an ankle joint replacement surgery, it is important to take care of the operated area. If the surgery is not performed correctly then there are chances of-

• Ankle weakness
• Instability in ankles
• Stiffness
• Dislocation of ankles
• Loosening of implants
• In all these complications, you can undergo other surgeries.
• Some of the common risks after the surgery are-
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Nausea
• Fever

When to visit a doctor after ankle joint replacement surgery?

Pain and minor discomfort in the ankles after surgery are common but if you have other symptoms like

• High fever
• Blood and water coming out of the cuts
• Inability to move the ankles after the surgery
• Infection
• Increased pain, redness and stiffness

To avoid post-surgery complications visit the best orthopedic doctor near you.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Conclusion

Ankle joint replacement surgery is the best way to treat injured joints. Your surgeon evaluates the condition and recommends the treatment. If you have ankle pain or other complications, visit the best orthopedic surgeon in Delhi.

References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ankle-replacement-surgery