Ankle replacement surgery, very simply put is a surgical operation to restore a worn out ankle joint.
What are the indications for ankle replacement surgery ?
Ankle joint ailments are many and varied and include arthritis, tendonitis, ankle muscle strains, ligament tears and ankle fracture. However, arthritis still stands as the chief and prime indication for ankle replacement surgery. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You may be a suitable candidate for an ankle joint replacement when you find you have difficulty in walking, even with a walking stick or doing daily activities. If the ankle pain is severe and not relieved with even a change in pain medications, physical therapy, or exercise, as well as restricting mobility severely, that is an indication for surgery.
What is the procedure for ankle replacement surgery ?
An ankle replacement surgery is the foremost surgical procedure where in a part or the complete ankle joint is replaced by an artificial prosthetic joint consisting of metal and plastic surfaces. The surgical procedure is performed mostly under the influence of general anesthesia and definitely would entail a dedicated change in lifestyle and rehabilitative exercises to aid in the artificial joint movement. It can also be done under local anesthesia, by one injection to the ankle joint. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon exposes the ankle joint and recontours the affected ankle bones by eliminating any damaged part of the involved bones and replacing it by an artificial implant to permit the joint movement. The surgery takes anything between 60 and 90 minutes. Sometimes other procedures are required and therefore combined at the same time such as repairing the Achilles tendon (or the heel cord) to lengthen it, thus, allowing full movement of the ankle joint.
What is the recovery time for ankle replacement surgery ?
Most people who report for surgery come the day before or on the day of surgery, having had prior medical check-up before the surgery. After surgery, there will be foot swelling and this needs you to raise your foot to decrease the swelling. This may from anything between 2 days to a week. Once the swelling subsides, you will be put in plaster. You can use crutches and go home. The physiotherapist will guide you as the recovery progresses. Most people are in hospital for a period of 2-3 days. Ankle replacement surgery is being performed lately with increased technological advances and has greatly relieved individuals from knee joint pain, restricted mobility, and discomfort.
How to find and reach orthopedic surgeons for ankle replacement surgery ?
Now you can find and reach orthopedic surgeons from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple orthopedic surgeons, get cost estimates for ankle replacement surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose an orthopedic surgeon for ankle replacement surgery.
Find, reach and choose an orthopedic surgeon for ankle replacement surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
