Is ankle replacement a good option?
Is ankle replacement a good option?
Ankle replacement surgery is very successful in most cases, but it does have some risks. These include: Infection. Damage to nearby nerves.
What can go wrong with an ankle replacement?
Ankle replacements can wear out over time and may require a revision surgery or conversion to an ankle fusion. Some medical problems such as diabetes, poor circulation, skin sores, or heart and lung disease may put you at a higher risk of infection, wound problem or other complication after ankle replacement.
How long will an ankle replacement last?
How long do ankle replacement implants last? In 90% of cases, the replacement lasts 10 years. Usually, they will last even longer, but in some cases, the implant may fail in less than 10 years. Ankle replacements can loosen over time.
Who is a good candidate for ankle replacement?
An ideal candidate for a total ankle replacement (TAR) is an individual who is less than 250 pounds, over 50 years old, has no hindfoot deformity, has a lower physical demand, and has severe pain secondary to ankle arthritis.
What happens when you have an ankle replacement?
During the healing process, the bones fuse into one combined bone. Ankle fusion usually is successful in relieving arthritis pain, but it also reduces the ankle joint’s ability to move. To make up for this, nearby joints may have to move more. That increases the risk of developing arthritis in those joints.
Which is better ankle replacement or ankle fusion?
Ankle replacement allows you to retain more mobility and movement in the ankle compared to ankle fusion. The downside is that not every patient is an appropriate candidate for ankle replacement. Patients with severely deformed or unstable ankles make ankle replacement an option that is less than ideal.
Who is not a good candidate for ankle replacement surgery?
An ankle replacement surgery (or an “artificial ankle” as called by some patients) is not right for every patient. The standard list of patients who are not good candidates for ankle replacement are: Patient with previous ankle infection history that is not controlled and resolved
When is the best time to have ankle replacement surgery?
In general, he says, surgeons favor ankle replacement surgery for people over age 55. “Older patients may not stress the ankle as much as a younger patient would, so the anticipation is that the implant will last longer.” Your overall wellness before you have surgery is key.
