Ankle Replacement Surgery

Ankle Replacement Surgery

It is nice to enjoy sports, go for a run or even drive down to that new restaurant that just opened up and check it out. These activities are part of normal everyday life and many people enjoy these normal activities during their leisure time. But life can throw a curveball at us while we are enjoying these activities. You can suffer a severe trauma or even a fracture at any moment in your day.  These injuries can be very severe and force a podiatrist to use ankle replacement surgery to help the patient.

Ankle replacement surgery is the process of replacing damaged parts of the bones that make up the ankle. Sometimes the damage is so severe that the entire ankle must be replaced, while other times only certain pieces must be replaced. These parts can be swapped with artificial pieces made out of high-quality, medical grade metal and plastic. They are held in place using bone cement and come in different sizes.

Reasons that you may need this surgery:

Risks of this surgery:

  • Nerve damage
  • Bone break during surgery
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clot
  • Infection
  • Damage to blood vessels
  • Ankle weakness
  • Displacement of artificial joint
  • Relaxing of the artificial joint over time
  • Allergic reaction to implant

Surgery can take a lot of energy from a person. Recovery can take up to three months’ time. During this time, a patient should avoid the use of the affected ankle and use crutches or another aid to move around. Successful replacements will eliminate pain and can last up to 10-15 years. If considering ankle replacement surgery, be sure to talk to your podiatrist thoroughly before making the decision. Surgery is not always right for everyone.

Undergoing surgery should not be taken lightly. It is always important to explore all of your options before coming to this decision. Want to consult with a podiatrist or get a second opinion? Call Dr. Alan J. Discont and Dr. Krahn of Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC located in Chandler, Arizona. Call 480-732-0033 or make an appointment online today. Take the guess work out of a surgical procedure and be confident in the podiatrist you choose.