At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide comprehensive care to support you both before and after surgery or procedure. Learn about Ankle Replacement Surgery, including the procedure, recovery timeline, and rehabilitation. Discover how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can help you recover and regain mobility after surgery. Let us guide you through every step of your journey with personalised care and proven results.

Ankle Replacement Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Ankle Replacement Surgery?

Ankle replacement surgery, also known as total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), is a procedure designed to treat severe arthritis or joint damage in the ankle. The surgery involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces of the ankle with artificial components (prostheses). This procedure helps alleviate pain and improve the function of the ankle, offering a more conservative option than an ankle fusion, especially for patients who still require some range of motion in the ankle joint.

Conditions That Lead to Ankle Replacement Surgery

• Osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis in the ankle joint.

• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions affecting the joint.

• Severe deformities of the ankle joint.

• Failed previous treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or bracing.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Assessment:

   • A thorough preoperative assessment is essential. Your surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans to evaluate the extent of joint damage.

   • Prior to the surgery, you may be advised to undergo prehabilitation to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the ankle joint.

2. During Surgery:

   • Ankle replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

   • The surgeon will make an incision at the front of the ankle to access the joint.

   • The damaged parts of the tibia (shin bone) and talus (foot bone) are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic. These components are designed to mimic the natural joint's function.

   • The new joint is fixed in place, and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room. The ankle may be immobilized in a cast or bootto ensure proper healing.

   • Your surgeon will prescribe pain management strategies, and you will likely stay in the hospital for 1-2 daysfor monitoring.

   • Non-weight-bearing status is typically required for the first 6-8 weeks to allow the new joint to settle.

Healing and Recovery Time

Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-2):

• The first few days are focused on pain management and swelling control. You will need to elevate your foot regularly and use crutches or a walker to keep weight off the ankle.

• During the first 2 weeks, you will focus on keeping the foot immobilized and adhering to non-weight-bearingguidelines.

Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 3-6):

• As the initial healing progresses, your surgeon will begin to allow partial weight-bearing on the foot, gradually increasing the load.

• Physical therapy will start during this time to improve ankle range of motion and to prevent stiffness.

• You may begin gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to prepare the muscles and soft tissues around the joint for more load-bearing activity.

Full Recovery (6-12 Months):

• Full recovery typically takes 6-12 months, although this may vary depending on your age, physical condition, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

• After 3-6 months, you may gradually return to low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling, with the guidance of your physiotherapist.

• High-impact activities (e.g., running, jumping, or sports) may be limited depending on how well your joint functions post-surgery.

Rehabilitation After Ankle Replacement Surgery

Rehabilitation is crucial to ensure the best possible recovery from ankle replacement surgery. With the right support, physiotherapy can help you regain strength, mobility, and function in your ankle.

Rehabilitation Phases:

1. Prehabilitation:

   • Before the surgery, your physiotherapist may work with you to strengthen the muscles in the lower leg and improve flexibility. This helps prepare your body for the surgery and shortens recovery time post-surgery.

2. Phase 1: Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-6)

   • During the first few weeks after surgery, the focus will be on swelling control, pain management, and maintaining the mobility of surrounding joints.

   • You'll work with your physiotherapist on gentle range-of-motion exercises and muscle activation exercises to prevent stiffness in the joint.

3. Phase 2: Strengthening & Mobility (Weeks 6-12)

   • As healing progresses, your physiotherapist will guide you through more advanced exercises to strengthenthe muscles around the ankle and improve overall ankle stability.

   • Low-impact activities such as stationary cycling or water therapy may be introduced to improve joint function without placing too much stress on the new ankle.

4. Phase 3: Full Recovery & Return to Activity (3-6 Months)

   • As your ankle joint becomes stronger, more challenging exercises like balance training, functional exercises, and gait training will be incorporated into your rehabilitation program.

   • The goal is to help you return to low-impact activities safely and gradually increase the load placed on the ankle.

Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

• At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer an extensive rehabilitation gym equipped with everything you need to assist with recovery after ankle replacement surgery.

• Our physiotherapists will guide you through a customized rehabilitation program designed to restore strength, mobility, and function in your ankle. With the use of specialized equipment such as balance boards, resistance bands, and gym machines, we will work together to help you regain independence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to recover from ankle replacement surgery?

• Recovery typically takes 6-12 months, with most people experiencing significant pain relief and improved function within the first few months.

2. Will I still have pain after ankle replacement surgery?

• Pain after surgery typically improves significantly compared to pre-surgery levels. The new joint helps reduce arthritis pain, though mild discomfort may persist during the early recovery phase.

3. Can I return to sports after ankle replacement surgery?

• After recovery, you can return to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. High-impact sports may not be advisable due to the potential for excessive wear on the prosthetic joint.

4. Will my new ankle feel like my natural one?

• While an ankle replacement helps relieve pain and improves function, the joint will not have the same range of motion as a natural ankle. However, the prosthetic ankle provides a stable, functional joint for day-to-day activities.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we are committed to helping you recover effectively after your ankle replacement surgery. Our expert physiotherapists provide personalized rehabilitation plans that focus on strengthening, mobility, and functional recovery. Our rehabilitation gym offers specialized equipment to help you regain full function in your ankle and return to normal activities as safely as possible.

We support you throughout your recovery, ensuring that your rehabilitation process is as smooth and effective as possible.

Additional Resources:

For more information on ankle replacement surgery and related treatments, please visit the following Australian resources:

• Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) – Total Ankle Replacement: https://aoa.org.au/

• Foot and Ankle Society of Australia: https://www.footanklesurgery.org.au/

• Better Health Channel – Total Ankle Replacement: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

We look forward to helping you recover after your ankle replacement surgery and supporting you on your journey to regain optimal mobility. Book your appointment today to start your recovery with Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health!