Ankle Replacement Surgery

In the past, the only option for many people with severe ankle pain was an ankle fusion. But with new surgical advances like ankle replacement, we can better preserve your range of motion and function.

Ankle replacement surgery (ankle arthroplasties) can help treat:

Arthritis in your ankle
Avascular necrosis (AVN, also known as osteonecrosis), a condition where the bone dies because of poor blood supply
Traumatic foot and ankle injuries

Because ankle replacements require specially trained surgeons, these surgeries are only available at select hospitals. At MU Health Care, our foot and ankle surgeons perform a high volume of ankle replacements for people with ankle pain.

Am I a Candidate for an Ankle Replacement?

Your team may suggest an ankle replacement if nonsurgical treatments like injections, physical therapy or braces haven’t improved your pain.

You may be eligible for an ankle replacement if you:

Are age 55 or older
Have good circulation (blood flow)
Do not have diabetes or other serious chronic diseases
Do not smoke tobacco
Have a healthy weight that is safe for ankle surgery

Most patients can expect their ankle replacements to last about 10 to 15 years or longer.

Types of Ankle Replacement at MU Health Care

Our team offers several types of ankle replacement:

Total Ankle Replacement

Our foot and ankle surgeons can replace damaged bones and cartilage in your ankle using prosthetic (artificial) parts. We’ll remove part of your tibia (the larger bone in your leg) and talus (bone connecting your foot and leg). Then, we’ll replace these parts with metal implants connected by a movable plastic piece, which preserves your range of motion.

You may benefit from a total ankle replacement if you have severe arthritis.

Total Talus Replacement

Our surgeons can remove a damaged talus and replace it with a prosthetic bone. A total talus replacement is often used to treat AVN, which can destroy the talus.

Ankle Replacement After Ankle Fusion

If you’ve had a previous ankle fusion and still have pain, you may be a candidate for an ankle replacement. Our surgeons are skilled in performing these complex conversion surgeries to relieve ankle pain and improve mobility after a fusion.

What to Expect With Ankle Replacement

Here’s what happens when you come to MU Health Care for an ankle replacement:

Before Ankle Replacement

You’ll have computed tomography (CT) scans, which we use to create a 3D model of your ankle. The model helps surgeons create a custom guide to place your joint components with greater precision.
You may undergo physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and joints prior to surgery.
On the night before surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight.
You should have someone drive you on the day of your surgery.

During Ankle Replacement

You will receive general anesthesia, so you are asleep for the surgery.
For a total ankle replacement, your team will remove part of the surface of your tibia and talus and replace these with metal pieces and plastic implants attached to your remaining bone.
For a talus replacement, the surgeon will also replace your talus with a custom metal implant based on your anatomy.
The surgery will take about two to three hours. Afterwards, you will recover at the hospital. You will be given pain medicine to reduce any discomfort.
You may be able to go home the same day of surgery. However, some people may stay one night in the hospital.

After Ankle Replacement

You will have a boot or cast on your foot for four to six weeks or longer. Your doctor may recommend that you use a knee scooter to get around.
About six weeks after surgery, you’ll be able to put weight your foot. You’ll also be able to wear normal shoes around this time depending on swelling.
When you’re out of the boot, you’ll start physical therapy.
Most people benefit from about six weeks of PT.