According to a report by ABC 30 in California, more than 50 million Americans are affected by some form of arthritis. Roughly 10 percent, or 5 million of those individuals suffer from arthritis of the ankle.
Arthritis of the ankle can cause a variety of different symptoms, including:
- Pain, both while standing and in non-weightbearing positions.
- Sensitivity or tenderness.
- Feelings of tightness or pressure in the area.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Swelling.
Sometimes the pain and discomfort is so unbearable that patients are unable to preform daily activities, like working out, walking the dog, or even playing with their children. Thankfully, medical knowledge has progressed immensely in the last 50 years, and doctors can now offer ankle replacement surgeries that help people get back to their old lifestyle.
Ankle Replacement Surgery
Ankle surgery shouldn’t be the first option a person considers. Surgeons say that ankle replacement should only be considered if bracing, over-the-counter medications and physical therapy have proved fruitless. Also, the operation may not be possible if the patient is deemed too heavy. Since your ankles and feet are responsible for shouldering the weight of your entire body, the risks of failure or complications may be too great if a patient is too heavyset. Your doctor can work with you to develop a plan to get to you the optimal weight.
As for the process, ankle replacement surgery involves replacing the articulating surfaces of the tibia, fibula, and the talus. Surgeons insert a metal and plastic implant that mimics the movements and functions of a healthy ankle. Current statistics suggest that 90 percent of patients are satisfied with their replacement ankle during the first four years following surgery. The ankle implant currently lasts about 15 to 20 years, depending on activity, level of arthritis, and how the bones attach to the device.
No surgery is risk free, and ankle replacement isn’t any different. These complications are very rare, but they do occur:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Bone or device failure
- Nerve injury
Although there are a few rare risks, it hasn’t dissuaded the public from electing to undergo the operation. Surgical data shows that between 2011 and 2012, the total number of ankle replacements doubled. For more information on the operation, check out our Ankle Replacement Webpage.
Related sources: Washington.edu, ABC 30
