Dr. Matthew McCabe Performs The First Total Ankle Replacement

TEXAS HEALTH RESOURCES MANSFIELD

WHAT IS ANKLE JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Ankle joint replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to relieve pain and immobility due to arthritis that has not responded to conservative measures. The goal of ankle joint replacement surgery is to alleviate ankle pain and increase the mobility and function of the ankle joint. Ankle joint replacement is recommended for many people of wide variety of ages with ankle arthritis.

WHAT IS ANKLE ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is a term used to describe loss of cartilage and decreased function of a specific joint. Traditionally, in the hips or knees this is caused by osteoarthritis. However, the ankle is a different world and arthritis in the ankle is typically caused by trauma. Previous sprains fractures and other injuries are likely to contribute to ankle arthritis in the future. Ankle arthritis typically presents itself with localized swelling achiness and a feeling like the ankle is stiff, clicking or stuck in one position.

HOW IS ANKLE ARTHRITIS DIAGNOSED?

Ankle arthritis is diagnosed by your physician after reviewing your history and performing an examination of the symptomatic ankle. Imaging studies such as X-ray, CT and/or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ANKLE ARTHRITIS?

Conservative treatment of ankle arthritis involves physical therapy, bracing, orthotics, injections, oral anti-inflammatories as well as platelet rich plasma injection.

HOW IS AN ANKLE JOINT REPLACEMENT PERFORMED?

Ankle joint replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision over the front of the ankle. The muscles are retracted, and tendons and ligaments moved away to expose the ankle joint. The damaged regions of the tibia, fibula and talus bone are then removed using special instruments, and the remaining healthy bones are reshaped to fit an artificial joint or prosthesis. A bone graft is inserted between the tibia and fibula to create a fusion of the twobones and prevent loosening of the prosthesis. The prosthetics are kept in position with special bone cement and instrumentation such as screws to support the artificial ankle. At the end of the surgery, tendons and other structures are positioned back to cover the new joint. The wound is sutured closed and covered with a sterile dressing.

WHAT IS THE POSTOPERATIVE CARE FOR AN ANKLE JOINT REPLACEMENT?

Patient in most cases can begin weight-bearing two weeks after ankle joint replacement. Several factors will determine when you can start walking and moving the ankle but generally two weeks is when you can begin weight-bearing.

After the initial two weeks physical therapy will begin and protected weight-bearing in a boot will also begin. It’s critical that early range of motion is initiated soon after the surgery to reduce immobility of the joint.

For most individuals and ankle joint replacement is a very successful surgery resulting in reduced pain and increased mobility and function.

Water Oak Foot and Ankle

Dr. Matthew McCabe 2270 Matlock Road, #104

Mansfield, Texas 76063

(325)480-2063

WaterOakFootandAnkle.com