Joint Replacement
- Ankle Joint Replacement
- Big Toe Replacement
- Small Toe Replacement
Total Ankle Replacement
Symptoms
The symptoms of a degenerative ankle joint usually
begin as pain while bearing weight on the affected ankle.
You may limp and the ankle may become swollen with fluid.
The degeneration can lead to a reduction in the range of
motion of the affected ankle. Bone spurs will usually
develop and can be seen on X-ray. Finally, as the
condition becomes worse, the pain may be present all the
time and may even keep you awake at night.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a degenerative ankle starts with a
complete history and physical examination by your doctor.
X-rays will be required to determine the extent of the
degenerative process and may suggest a cause for the
degeneration.
Ankle Replacement Surgery
In ankle replacement surgery, the damaged bone and
cartilage are replaced with metal and plastic surfaces
that are shaped to restore ankle movement and function.
The new artificial ankle is called a prosthesis. The
prosthesis is generally composed of two metal pieces
fitted onto the ends of the tibia (shin bone) and the
talus (heel bone) and a plastic piece inserted between
them to act as a bearing.
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