Ankle joint replacement

Why do you need this operation?

Before being offered this operation, you should have tried treatments such as footwear changes, cushioned inserts, braces, anti-inflammatory medications and walking aids. You should also have reduced ‘impact’ activities and, if appropriate, tried to lose weight.
This operation is offered to you if you continue to have symptoms despite trying the above measures and lifestyle changes, and after you have been examined and counselled.
The operation is usually offered in severe cases of arthritis of the ankle joint.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed as an inpatient and you will be discharged when mobile and comfortable.
The operation is performed with general anaesthetic and nerve block (which means numbing the nerves of the foot and ankle).
The operation involves one incision over the front of the ankle joint. The two sides of the joint are cut and prepared and replaced with metal components. A plastic insert is placed between these two components.
Your leg is placed in a plaster.

Your post-operative period

You see the physiotherapist after your operation and they give you crutches
Strict elevation for the first two weeks and when necessary afterwards
Mobilize with crutches for the first 6 weeks.

Your follow-up

At two weeks, the initial plaster as well as the stitches are removed. A full below knee non-weight-bearing plaster is then applied
At six weeks, the plaster is removed and x-rays are obtained. You start putting all your weight through the leg at this stage and you gradually build your activities up. You may need physiotherapy to strengthen your muscles and give you more range of movement.
You are followed at 3, 6 and 12 months and annually afterward.
Off work for around 8 – 12 weeks, depending on your job
No driving for 8 – 12 weeks

What are the possible complications?

Infection
Ongoing pain
Loosening of the joint (happens ultimately at the end of the life span of the joint)
Sensitive or painful scars
Clots in the leg (DVT)
Clots in the lung (PE)
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
After this operation, walking uphill is usually difficult and some patients require shoe-wear modification.

Smoking, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, being on steroids or blood thinning medication increases possible risks significantly.

Prophylaxis against clots:

According to the current UK guidelines you could be prescribed blood thinning medication to reduce your risk of getting clots. You will usually be prescribed two tablets of “Aspirin” to take daily (150 mg). In some cases, you will require “Low Molecular Weight Heparin” subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. You will be shown how to self-inject once daily.