Total Ankle Replacement

Total Ankle Replacement

An ankle replacement can help reduce pain and improve range of motion in an ankle joint that has been compromised by arthritis, injury, or defect.

Total ankle replacement can be performed at the Ambulatory Surgical Center of Stevens Point on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the day of surgery.

THE PROCEDURE: During an ankle replacement, the damaged portions of the ankle bones are removed and replaced with metal and polyethylene components.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE: Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Patients can expect to work with a physical therapist the same day as surgery and have their progress measured and monitored throughout recovery.

Following surgery, patients should attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions and follow the instructions provided by their care team.

RECOVERY TIME: An ankle replacement is a significant surgery with an extended recovery time. Recovery milestones may include:

• Putting weight on the ankle: four to six weeks
• Wearing normal shoes: eight to 10 weeks
• Walking short distances: 12 weeks
• Low-impact exercise: four months
• Full return to activity: four to six months

Patients should plan on approximately one year to return to wearing normal shoes and walking without pain.