Ankle replacement

LewisB

Hello.

I am an 80 year old who has experienced osteoarthritis in my hands, knees and ankles for many years. In 2022 I had a successful knee replacement in my right leg, and I was due for a repeat in my left leg this year. However my left ankle has recently become painful when I walk, and I would be unable to do the necessary exercises after a knee operation. It is particularly bad when I stand after resting. Otherwise I am reasonably fit and active.

My knee specialist has sent me for an MRI scan with a view to replacing the left ankle. He has informed me that this is a relatively new and quite a complicated proceedure. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has had this done, especially anyone of my age. For example was the replacement successful, and how long is the recovery period?

Thanks.

MrDJ

Hi @LewisB

Its catch 22 all over again.

my first op was total uncemented left hip replacement which is coming upto 26 years now, i was in my mid 30's back then. like any op you walk differently after and put strain on the other side which is what happened to my right ankle.

Not a new procedure as such but they did say only 3 had been done in the uk but that was back in 1996-98.

They had me in hospital for tests back in the late 90's for a total ankle replacement but as my condition was so active after 3 months and more xrays they said it was too far gone and too risky to attempt. In the end they done a triple fusion arthrodesis so now have 3 metel pins fusing my right ankle. The recovery for that was almost 6 months and it was great to finally get out of plaster after all that time (no such thing as blow up boots back then unless you was paying private).

It was like learning to walk again as on the flat i was ok but on sand or grass or even uneaven pavements the ankle didnt move so i was more at risk of falls. I would guess a total replacement would mean you have movement in the ankle so would be easier to walk after the recovery.

Hopefully others will be able to advise better than me and i wish you well if you go for it.

chrisb

Hi @LewisB

Welcome to the versus arthritis forum.

This link to our website may be useful to visit if you haven't already dome so:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/foot-and-ankle-surgery/

I hope you receive some further input from forum members.

Best wishes

(ChrisB - Moderator)

fred890

My father went through a similar situation not long ago. He was 78 at the time, dealing with arthritis in both knees and ankles, and walking had become really painful, especially after sitting or resting. Like you, he was originally scheduled for knee surgery, but the ankle pain got so bad it had to be addressed first.

He ended up getting an ankle replacement at this clinic in Dallas. They specialize in foot and ankle procedures, and we felt really confident in their experience. The operation went smoothly, and while recovery took some patience, about 3 to 4 months with gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy, it was absolutely worth it. He’s now walking without that sharp, post-rest pain and has even gone back to gardening a bit.

Everyone’s different, of course, but seeing how much it helped him might give you some reassurance. Hope everything goes well with your scan and next steps.