Ankle prosthesis is a treatment method applied to the patients suffering from advanced joint degenerations or arthritis as last resort option, in case other joint functionality prolonging treatments fail to yield positive outcomes. Until recently, in cases of advanced ankle arthritis, the primary treatment method was ankle arthrodesis, i.e. ankle fusion surgery. However, nowadays the ankle arthrodesis remains in the background compared to the ankle prosthesis surgery. So, how and when to operate Total Ankle Prosthesis surgery?
How to Operate Total Ankle Prosthesis Surgery?
As is the case in knee prosthesis surgery, during the operation, the patient is under the influence of paraplegia or general anesthesia. The surgeon enters through the anterior ankle and eliminates the damaged cartilage tissues. Afterwards, the joint prosthesis made out of plastic or metal substances is placed. Contrary to the knee prosthesis surgery, the patient should not step on for a certain period following the total ankle prosthesis surgery. Especially for the period between the first 3 weeks and one and a half month after the procedure, only light pressures are allowed. Still, if an high-quality physiotherapy is practiced, the patient may achieve full recovery in 3 months and carry on the tasks of normal life. The ankle prosthesis surgery is one of the most significant operations in orthopedics. Thus, it must be carried out by the specialists of this field. It should be noted that if the surgery is not conducted by a specialist and ends up as a failure, then, the ankle will have to be re-operated with fusion surgery.
Who is Eligible to Get a Total Ankle Prosthesis Surgery? Total ankle prosthesis is applied in cases where an ankle has suffered from irreparable damage due to an accident or trauma, in recurring and non-healing ankle fractures, joint arthritis due to old age and joint damages due to obesity-related frequent ankle sprains. However, it should not be applied in patient younger than 55 years of age if it is not an extraordinary case. Nevertheless, all other treatment options should be considered before electing to proceed with the prosthesis surgery. Because the prosthesis surgery should not be applied if the lifetime of the ankle joint can be prolonged with other methods. Similar to knee and hip prosthesis surgeries, the ankle prosthesis surgery is the last resort treatment option. In addition to all of the above, this surgery is not applicable to the patients with an active ankle infection, patients suffering from diabetes, as well as the patients with deformed bone structures in their ankles.