Total Ankle Replacement
WHAT IS TOTAL ANKLE REPLACEMENT?
Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged or worn out bones and joints in the ankle with a prosthetic device. The goal of TAR is to relieve pain and improve the function of the ankle.Indications for TAR include:
● Osteoarthritis of the ankle
● Rheumatoid arthritis of the ankle
● Ankle fractures that have not healed properly
● Post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle
The TAR procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. During the procedure, the arthritic portion of the joint in the ankle is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. The incision is then closed, and a splint or cast is applied to the ankle to help protect it during the healing process.Recovery from TAR can take several months, and physical therapy is typically required to help regain strength and range of motion in the ankle. The majority of patients are able to return to normal activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and even returning to low-impact sports activities.