When damage to the ankle from trauma or arthritis is causing extreme pain and immobility, a Consultant may advise ankle replacement surgery. This is an operation where the damaged areas of the ankle are replaced with artificial fixtures.
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Ankle Replacement
What is an ankle replacement?
Unlike an ‘ankle fusion’ operation, where bones are merely stabilised using metal plates and screws, ‘ankle replacement’ surgery involves swapping damaged areas of the ankle with an artificial prosthesis. The new artificial fixtures are covered in a bioactive coating that promotes natural bone growth in the joint. Surgical expertise ensures the joint has maximum flexibility through a range of motions so that the new component, the ankle and foot bones are synchronized.
When is an ankle replacement required?
A total ankle replacement may be needed after severe damage from trauma or advanced arthritis which is causing extreme pain and immobility.
The surgery
The operation takes about 90 minutes and is carried out under general anaesthetic. Patients normally stay in hospital for two days with the ankle immobilised in a cast.
Post-op
Following the operation the new ankle will not be able to bear any weight so crutches will be needed. Weight will gradually be put on the ankle through a physiotherapy programme spread over six weeks.
The cast is removed after four to six weeks depending on the speed of recovery with a return to normal daily activities after about six months, although full rehabilitation can take a year.
Contact us
To ask a question, make an enquiry or book an appointment, contact our specialist team on 0207 806 4044 or [email protected], the team are available between Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Our foot and ankle team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Foot & Ankle Clinic
This specialist team of highly experienced foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists and physiotherapists diagnose and manage all foot and ankle related conditions and injuries.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0207 806 4044.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
