Ankle Arthritis and Ankle Replacement Surgery
Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) a.k.a Total Ankle Arthroplasty, is a procedure to replace the damaged ankle joint with an artificial joint. It is often considered for patients with severe arthritis (pain and stiffness impacting quality of life). The surgery aims to reduce pain, improve joint function, and most importantly, maintain mobility.
Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis involves the deterioration of cartilage in the ankle joint, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement. It can result from aging, previous injury, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, significantly affecting mobility and quality of life. Symptoms include:
Pain : Ankle arthritis typically causes pain deep within the ankle joint. The pain can be present during activities, and when advanced enough, even at rest.
Stiffness : As a result of thinning of the cartilage in the joint, the ankle joint can change shape which then restricts its motion.
Deformities: When, one side of the ankle is worn moreso than the other, then this results in the ankle either collapsing in (valgus deformity) or collapsing out (varus deformity). This means the foot might be pointing out or in, and this can affect normal walking and shoe wear.
​
Difficulty with walking: Pain and Stiffness together can significantly limit your ability to walk, and ultimately your quality of life!
​
​​
Consultation
At your first consultation, Dr Farhat will take a thorough history and undertake an examination of the ankle, and the surrounding joints.
​
If an Xray of the painful region is available, be sure to bring them in / notify Dr Farhat where they were performed so that they can be reviewed. Ideally this would be a weight-bearing xray. ​Further investigations may be prescribed.
​
Taking into account your unique history, examination and investigation findings, a management plan will be formulated.
​
Non-Surgical Measures will be trialed where possible, including:
- Pain Relief Medications / Supplements
- Orthotics / Shoe-wear modifications
- Physiotherapy / Podiatry review
- Weight loss
- Steroid injections
​
​
​
​​
Total Ankle Replacement Surgery
Before Total Ankle Replacement Surgery, Dr Farhat will arrange a CT scan of the ankle. This will be analysed and will allow custom-made 3D printed jigs to be made.
During the procedure, Dr Farhat will use these 3D printed jigs to perform precise cuts to remove the worn out part of the ankle joint. This will then be replaced with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic.
Recovery involves a period of rest followed by rehabilitation to regain mobility and strength.
The surgery generally offers significant pain relief and improved joint function for most patients.
