Introduction
Ankle replacement is also known as ankle arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure intended to eliminate a damaged ankle with prostheses. The prosthetic joint functions almost as close to the natural joint as possible.
Why Is Ankle Replacement Surgery Done?
The principal cause behind an ankle replacement is in individuals where the pain in the joint cannot be managed by any other means, such as physical therapies and medication, which affects the overall quality of life. This pain may result from ankle arthritis, repetitive strain injuries to the joint, and fracture caused by traumatic situations.
What Are the Symptoms That Necessitate Ankle Replacement Surgery?
The symptoms of ankle replacement include mostly those associated with ankle arthritis. These symptoms are enlisted as follows;
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Pain in the ankle joint cannot be managed by medication or therapy.
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Difficulty standing and walking.
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Swelling of the joints.
When Should Ankle Replacement Surgeries Be Avoided?
Case selection is vital for any elective surgical procedure. The risk-benefit ratio must be assessed by the consulting specialist before opting for ankle replacement. The conditions where the surgical option is avoided are as follows;
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Infections of the ankle joint.
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Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
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Circulatory diseases.
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Patients with cardiac problems.
What Are the Potential Postoperative Risks Following Surgery?
Though ankle replacement surgeries have a very high success rate, certain risks must be taken into consideration, as with any other surgical procedure. The postoperative risks following ankle replacement are as follows;
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Infection of the surgical site.
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Damage to nerves and blood vessels around the surgical site.
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Bleeding of the wound.
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Blood clots may disseminate to other vital organs, such as the lungs.
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Malunion or nonunion of the bones due to inappropriate technique or underlying disease.
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Improper alignment of the bones leads to further pain.
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Development of arthritis de novo in neighboring joints.
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Loosening of the prosthesis may require repeat surgeries.
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Wearing out of the prosthetic components with time, depending on the quality of the material used.
The complications vary according to the age and the presence of underlying medical conditions of the patient. For instance, a smoker or an individual with low bone mineral density may be at an elevated risk of certain complications.
How Is a Patient Prepared Preoperatively?
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The patient is asked to stop taking medication such as blood thinners at least two to three weeks before surgery.
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The patient should quit smoking in advance before the procedure can be conducted.
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Some changes in living arrangements are needed, such as learning to use crutches and having assistance in being driven.
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Avoid food and drinks the night before the procedure.
What Are the Imaging Techniques Used to Diagnose the Need for Ankle Replacement?
Imaging tests that are needed before the surgery are:
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X-rays.
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Computed tomography (CT) scans.
What Is the Procedure for Ankle Replacement Surgeries?
The surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. The procedure usually takes a few hours. The steps involved are as follows;
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The patient is put under general anesthesia.
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The vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure are monitored continually during the operation by a relevant specialist.
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The surgical site is disinfected before an incision through the skin and muscle of the ankle can be made.
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The damaged tissues of the shin bone and talus are then surgically removed and reshaped to house the prosthesis that is to be attached.
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New metal joint surfaces are added into the now reshaped pieces of the remaining bones with or without the use of cement to hold the prostheses in place.
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A piece of plastic may be inserted between the prosthetic joint spaces to allow easy gliding movements over one another.
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The layers of skin and muscle around the ankle and the foot are then closed and sutured, and a surgical dressing is placed.
How Does Postoperative Recovery Occur After Surgery?
The specialist will brief the patient after the surgery on the possible outcomes. The medical team monitors the recovery continually. The affected leg is immobilized and elevated after the surgery to ensure that the bones are aligned and can heal into the appropriate place with time. A regular diet will be resumed as soon as the patient is able to do so. Follow-up X-rays may be ordered by the consulting surgeon to evaluate the surgical efficacy. A few days of in-hospital stay may also be recommended depending upon the underlying conditions. The patient might complain of significant postoperative pain that needs to be addressed using pain medication. The patient may need to wear a surgical splint for a couple of weeks, depending upon the quality of the bone and the duration of healing, along with the use of prosthetic devices such as crutches, canes, or walkers for several weeks to a month with specific instructions regarding foot movement while in postoperative recovery. Rest and elevation of the leg are necessary, at least for a week or two postoperatively, and full body weight should not be put on the affected foot for at least a few months.
The surgeon’s office should be notified immediately if the following occurs;
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Increased pain at the surgical site or incision
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High fever or chills.
The splint may be removed and replaced with a removable boot or a cast after a few weeks after the surgery. Physical therapy is recommended for a few months. This is to enhance both the strength and the range of motion of the affected foot, and it may take several months before the patient can return to their preoperative activities. Post-operative instructions should be followed carefully.
Conclusion
Ankle arthroplasty is a surgical procedure intended to eliminate a damaged ankle with prostheses. Pain in the ankle joint may result from ankle arthritis, repetitive strain injuries to the joint, and fracture caused by traumatic situations.
