Ankle Joint replacement - artificial ankle

Ankle Replacement:

Patients that suffer from chronic ankle pain that has not been alleviated by traditional, conservative and surgical treatment options may be a candidate for an ankle replacement.

Ankle replacements should not be used for initial treatment of ankle problems and are usually reserved for correction of significant ankle deformities and severely arthritic joints, both of which may have been caused by an acute or previous injury or by the deterioration of the joint over time.

An ankle replacement is similar to other total joint implants of the knee or hip in that the joint is replaced with an artificial device that mimics the function of the joint it is meant to replace. However, ankle replacement devices have far less of a history than hip or knee implants and are being modified and improved regularly.

Many different devices for ankle joint replacement exist. Get evaluated by your physician to determine if an ankle replacement is right for you. The best option is avoid an ankle replacement entirely, so don’t ignore your ankle pain. Be evaluated as soon as ankle pain develops or immediately following any injury.

Bruce Werber DPM, FACFAS
www.arizonafeet.com

painful ankle, need advice

Ankle injuries can be very devastating. From Sprains to Fractures, you need a specialist to evaluate your problem.

A simple ankle sprain is no longer a simple issue, we now know, left untreated most likely you will need repair or replacement at some point in your life.

Ankle sprains can be treated with physical therapy, bracing and home exercise program. But sometimes you may tear the ligaments create laxity within the joint and gradually the cartilage wears out.

So have that ankle evaluated prior to just brushing it off.

IF you have ankle pain, many time we can decrease your discomfort by doing arthroscopic ankle surgery, surgery through 2 or 3 small incisions, and you are back to normal within weeks, and we preserve your ankle.

If your ankle has developed arthritis we can do injections of joint fluid replacement (supartz or synvisc) into your ankle and reduce your discomfort. IF this fails to help, then we can consider replacing your ankle joint with an ankle replacement.

see my blog on ankle replacements

Let me evaluate your problem and give you information, so you can make an informed decision.

Bruce Werber DPM, FACFAS

www.inmotionfootandankle.com