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Total Ankle Replacement Surgeon in Phoenix, Scottsdale, AZ

Severe end-stage arthritis that has not responded to non-surgical treatments is usually treated with a surgical procedure called total ankle replacement. The procedure can relieve your pain and increase the mobility of the ankle joint. Damien Richardson MD, MPH provides expert diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatments for the ankle including total ankle replacement in Phoenix, Scottsdale, AZ. Damien Richardson MD, MPH also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact Damien Richardson MD, MPH’s team for an appointment today!

What is Total ankle replacement Surgery?

Total ankle replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and immobility due to severe end-stage arthritis that has not responded to non-surgical treatments. The goal of total ankle replacement surgery is to eliminate your pain and maintain the mobility of your ankle joint.

What is Ankle Arthritis?

The ankle joint connects the leg with the foot and provides free movement to the foot. It is formed by connecting the bones of the lower leg, tibia, and fibula, with the talus, or ankle bone.

The surfaces of the ankle bones are covered with articular cartilage. Damage to this leads to a condition called arthritis, which results in pain and impaired movement of the ankle.

Age, ankle injury, infection, bone connective tissue disorder, excessive stress, and certain disease conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause ankle arthritis.

How is Ankle Arthritis Diagnosed?

Ankle arthritis is diagnosed by your physician after reviewing your history and performing an examination of the symptomatic ankle. Imaging studies such as X-ray and MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the Treatment Options for Ankle Arthritis?

Conservative treatment of ankle arthritis involves oral medications and joint injections. However, if you are unresponsive to these treatments, total ankle replacement may be a potential surgical option to help your symptoms.

How is an Total ankle replacement Performed?

Total ankle replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made over the front of the ankle. The muscles tendons, ligaments, and neurovascular structures are protected and then moved away to expose the ankle joint. The damaged regions of the tibia, fibula and talus bone are then removed using special instruments, and the remaining healthy bones are reshaped to fit an artificial joint or prosthesis. The prosthesis (total ankle implants) are inserted that typically consists of two metal parts that attach to the tibia and talar bone with a plastic piece in the middle that allows motion. At the end of the surgery, tendons and other structures are positioned back to cover the new joint. The wound is sutured closed, covered with a sterile dressing, and then a well-padded splint is applied.

What is the Postoperative Care for an Total ankle replacement?

What are the Risks and Complications of Total ankle replacement?

As with any major surgery, there are potential risks involved. The possible complications associated with total ankle replacement include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding structure such as nerves, blood clots (DVT or deep venous thrombosis), loosening of artificial components, failure to relieve pain, instability, and stiffness.

If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of ankle arthritis or would like to learn more about total ankle replacement, please contact Damien Richardson MD, MPH, serving the communities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, AZ.

Other Foot & Ankle Procedures

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Locations & Directions

  • Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale

    7400 N Dobson Rd., Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

  • Banner Health Center plus at Arcadia

    4200 East Camelback Road, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85018

  • Banner - University Orthopedic &
    Sports Medicine Institute

    755 East McDowell Road, Floor 2, Phoenix, AZ 85006

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