In the past, the only option for many people with severe ankle pain was an ankle fusion. But with new surgical advances like ankle replacement, we can better preserve your range of motion and function.

Ankle replacement surgery (ankle arthroplasties) can help treat: 

• Arthritis in your ankle
• Avascular necrosis (AVN, also known as osteonecrosis), a condition where the bone dies because of poor blood supply
• Traumatic foot and ankle injuries 

Because ankle replacements require specially trained surgeons, these surgeries are only available at select hospitals. At MU Health Care, our foot and ankle surgeons perform a high volume of ankle replacements for people with ankle pain.

Am I a Candidate for an Ankle Replacement?

Your team may suggest an ankle replacement if nonsurgical treatments like injections, physical therapy or braces haven’t improved your pain. 

You may be eligible for an ankle replacement if you:

• Are age 55 or older
• Have good circulation (blood flow)
• Do not have diabetes or other serious chronic diseases
• Do not smoke tobacco
• Have a healthy weight that is safe for ankle surgery 

Most patients can expect their ankle replacements to last about 10 to 15 years or longer.

Types of Ankle Replacement at MU Health Care

Our team offers several types of ankle replacement:

Total Ankle Replacement

Our foot and ankle surgeons can replace damaged bones and cartilage in your ankle using prosthetic (artificial) parts. We’ll remove part of your tibia (the larger bone in your leg) and talus (bone connecting your foot and leg). Then, we’ll replace these parts with metal implants connected by a movable plastic piece, which preserves your range of motion. 

You may benefit from a total ankle replacement if you have severe arthritis.

Total Talus Replacement

Our surgeons can remove a damaged talus and replace it with a prosthetic bone. A total talus replacement is often used to treat AVN, which can destroy the talus.

Ankle Replacement After Ankle Fusion

If you’ve had a previous ankle fusion and still have pain, you may be a candidate for an ankle replacement. Our surgeons are skilled in performing these complex conversion surgeries to relieve ankle pain and improve mobility after a fusion.

Our Approach to Ankle Replacement

Everyone’s foot and ankle anatomy is different. Our surgeons work with outside vendors to create custom instruments and tools to perform your surgery based on your anatomy. Using patient-specific tools can help improve outcomes after ankle or talus replacement.

Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques to perform even complex surgeries through smaller incisions. Most patients recover faster and have fewer complications after minimally invasive ankle replacements.

Benefits of Patient-Specific Ankle Replacements

Compared to traditional surgery, ankle replacements performed with patient-specific instruments may result in better outcomes, including:

• Less time spent in surgery
• More precise implant placement
• Better joint function

However, the most important factor that can determine the success of your surgery is selecting an experienced surgical team. At MU Health Care, we perform more ankle replacements than any other center in mid-Missouri.

What to Expect With Ankle Replacement

Here’s what happens when you come to MU Health Care for an ankle replacement:

Before Ankle Replacement

• You’ll have computed tomography (CT) scans, which we use to create a 3D model of your ankle. The model helps surgeons create a custom guide to place your joint components with greater precision.
• You may undergo physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and joints prior to surgery.
• On the night before surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight.
• You should have someone drive you on the day of your surgery.

During Ankle Replacement

• You will receive general anesthesia, so you are asleep for the surgery.
• For a total ankle replacement, your team will remove part of the surface of your tibia and talus and replace these with metal pieces and plastic implants attached to your remaining bone.
• For a talus replacement, the surgeon will also replace your talus with a custom metal implant based on your anatomy.
• The surgery will take about two to three hours. Afterwards, you will recover at the hospital. You will be given pain medicine to reduce any discomfort.
• You may be able to go home the same day of surgery. However, some people may stay one night in the hospital.

After Ankle Replacement

• You will have a boot or cast on your foot for four to six weeks or longer. Your doctor may recommend that you use a knee scooter to get around.
• About six weeks after surgery, you’ll be able to put weight your foot. You’ll also be able to wear normal shoes around this time depending on swelling.
• When you’re out of the boot, you’ll start physical therapy.
• Most people benefit from about six weeks of PT.

Why Choose MU Health Care for Ankle Replacement

• More ankle replacements than any hospital in mid-Missouri: As a high-volume center, we have extensive experience performing this advanced surgery for severe ankle arthritis, AVN and trauma.
• Specially trained surgeons: Ankle replacement can only be performed by surgeons with advanced training and skills. Our team has dual certification in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
• Expert care for traumatic ankle injuries: If you need reconstructive surgery on your ankle, our orthopaedic trauma specialists can help you get back on your feet. As a Level I trauma center, we can manage the most complex traumatic ankle injuries.
• Convenient presurgical CTs: MU Health Care offers all the presurgical testing and imaging you need in one place. We’ll use your CT scan to build a model of your ankle, so our surgeons can design the best surgical approach for you.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation expertise: Our PT team routinely works with ankle replacement patients and can design an appropriate exercise plan. Our rehab team can also personalize an orthopaedic rehabilitation plan based on your specific needs and goals.