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Ankle Replacement
Helping you get on your feet again — comfortably
Total Ankle Replacement from Orthopedic Experts
Your ankle joints support nearly all your body weight. And when you’re walking or running, the force they encounter can be many times greater than your weight.
It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that over time, the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones that make up your ankle joints can wear away. Without that cushioning, the bones come in direct contact with each other, and painful osteoarthritis develops, making it hard to go about everyday life. Some people develop rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis is an inflammatory condition. It causes your body to attack and break down cartilage in your joints.
Ankle Replacement Surgery
New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) offers a full range of arthritis care. Ankle replacement surgery, also known as ankle arthroplasty, can be an effective treatment for joints severely affected by arthritis. The surgery involves removing your damaged joint and putting an ankle prosthesis or ankle implant in its place.
New England Baptist Hospital is one of the country’s leading hospitals for total ankle replacement. Our foot and ankle specialists offer leading-edge treatments that can relieve your pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. If you’re looking for expert ankle surgeons in Boston, look no further than New England Baptist Hospital.
Ankle Osteoarthritis Symptoms & Diagnosis
Often, ankle osteoarthritis is related to a previous ankle injury. It’s known as post-traumatic arthritis.
Pain is the most common symptom of ankle osteoarthritis. In the early stages of the disease, pain is most common with movement or activity, such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods of time. But eventually, pain may be present even at rest.
Other common symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking or walking with a limp
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of ankle motion
- Swelling
If your symptoms suggest you have arthritis, doctors may do a physical exam to help make a diagnosis. We may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, a CT scan or MRI.
Ankle Osteoarthritis Treatment
Usually, doctors recommend nonsurgical treatments first. If these don’t work, we may recommend surgery. We offer three main surgical options:
- Ankle arthroscopy with debridement — This minimally invasive surgery involves small incisions and special instruments. Surgeons go into your ankle joint and “clean it out” by removing cartilage or bones spurs that have developed.
- Ankle fusion (arthrodesis) — In this operation, surgeons fuse your ankle as one solid bone.
- Total ankle replacement — Ankle replacement surgery involves removing your damaged ankle joint and replacing it with an artificial implant.
Benefits of Total Ankle Replacement
For many patients, ankle replacement is a better option than ankle fusion. It helps you maintain better movement. However, because of the changes caused by arthritis, your movement may not go back to normal. Pain does get better, though. The surgery also may prevent osteoarthritis from developing in other joints of your foot.
New England Baptist Hospital surgeons offer the most advanced ankle surgeries. Following your operation, you receive expert rehabilitation services, including physical therapy.
Cost of Ankle Replacement Surgery
We’re happy to provide you with information about costs related to your specific surgery. New England Baptist Hospital accepts most insurance and offers financial counseling. We strive to be transparent, making your costs as clear as possible in advance.
Services & Specialties
At New England Baptist Hospital, you have a team of experts helping you at every stage of your joint replacement journey.
