Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Total Ankle Arthroplasty

What Happens During a Total Ankle Arthroplasty?

Arthroplasty is the reconstruction or replacement of a joint in order to restore range of motion and relieve pain. Treasure Valley Hospital physicians commonly perform this type of surgery on knees, hips, shoulders and ankles.

A total ankle arthroplasty can be performed under general anesthesia or a nerve block. An incision is made either at the front or side of the ankle, and damaged bone and cartilage are removed. Implants are placed to reconstruct the ankle joint, and the Achilles tendon or calf muscle is sometimes lengthened to restore full range of motion.

The procedure itself lasts between two and three hours, and most patients are released from Treasure Valley Hospital the same day. Patients will need several weeks of physical therapy as they recover from the surgery, and they will need to use a walker or crutches until they can put all of their weight on their affected ankle.

What Diagnoses are treated with Total Ankle Arthroplasty?

A total ankle arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which an ankle joint is reconstructed or replaced. It is used to restore range of motion or relieve pain caused by arthritis or an ankle injury. You might require a total ankle arthroplasty if you experience pain and stiffness in your ankle that cannot be relieved in any other way.

What is the recovery time for ankle arthroplasty surgery?

Patients who undergo ankle arthroplasty surgery at Treasure Valley Hospital typically go home one or two days after their procedure. They are given pain medication, antibiotics, and begin their physical therapy while still in the hospital. Physical therapy will continue for several weeks, and it could take just as long to be able to resume light daily activities. During this recovery process, the patient uses crutches or a walker until he or she can put full weight on the affected leg.

Why Choose Treasure Valley Hospital for this Surgery?

Treasure Valley Hospital is home to some of the top surgeons in Idaho and is managed by Surgical Care Affiliates. Surgical Care Affiliates (SCA) is dedicated to finding new and more efficient surgical methods that improve patient comfort while keeping medical costs low. Our clinical staff specialize in caring for orthopedic, neuro, and ENT surgical patients. For more information about Treasure Valley Hospital or Surgical Care Affiliates, contact Treasure Valley Hospital at 208-373-5000 or online at treasurevalleyhospital.com.

How do I prepare for this type of surgery?

• Your doctor or pre-admission nurse may tell you to stop taking certain medications, vitamins and dietary supplements prior to your surgery.
• Do not eat anything after midnight the day before surgery.
• Shower or bathe the morning of your surgery according to directions given at your pre-admission appointment.
• Do not shave the surgical area prior to arriving at the hospital for your procedure.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and slip-on shoes.
• Do not wear makeup, perfume/aftershave, lotion, or deodorant.
• Do not wear jewelry.
• Leave all valuables at home.
• If you wear contact lenses, bring an appropriate storage container for them and a pair of glasses to use pre- and post-surgery.
• Bring these supplies if they apply to you: insulin, rescue inhaler, CPAP, or dental device.
• Arrange ahead of time for a family member or friend to drive you home from the hospital after surgery.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. For more information about total knee replacement surgery, visit orthoa.com or alliedortho.squarespace.com.