Ankle Replacement Treatment in Pune – Advanced Care for Better Mobility
What is Ankle Replacement Surgery?
Ankle Replacement Surgery (also called Total Ankle Replacement) is a procedure in which a damaged ankle joint is removed and replaced with an artificial implant made of metal and high-grade plastic components.
The ankle joint connects the tibia (shin bone) to the talus bone of the foot. When arthritis damages the cartilage of this joint, it causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Ankle replacement surgery helps relieve chronic ankle pain and restore joint function when conservative treatments fail.
Dr. Abhijit S. Agashe provides advanced Ankle Replacement Surgery in Pune, focusing on precision, stability, and long-term mobility.
What Conditions Does Ankle Replacement Surgery Treat?
Total ankle replacement is primarily recommended for severe ankle arthritis, including:
1️⃣ Osteoarthritis
Age-related wear and tear causing cartilage thinning and joint stiffness.
2️⃣ Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Develops after ankle fractures or repeated injuries.
3️⃣ Rheumatoid Arthritis
An inflammatory condition affecting joint lining and cartilage.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking
- Persistent ankle pain
- Swelling and inflammation
- Reduced range of motion
- Joint stiffness
When medications, physiotherapy, orthotics, or injections do not provide relief, ankle replacement may be considered.
How is Total Ankle Replacement Surgery Performed?
During the procedure:
- An incision is made over the ankle joint.
- Damaged portions of the tibia and talus are removed.
- Artificial metal components are placed on the prepared bone surfaces.
- A durable plastic insert is positioned between them to allow smooth movement.
The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and preserve joint motion.
How to Prepare for Ankle Replacement Surgery?
Proper preparation helps ensure better outcomes and smoother recovery.
Before surgery, your care team may advise you to:
- Begin pre-operative physical therapy
- Stop smoking
- Adjust or discontinue certain medications
- Undergo required blood tests and imaging
Home Planning
Since walking will be restricted after surgery, patients should:
- Arrange assistance for daily activities
- Plan support for stairs and shopping
Prepare for limited mobility during recovery
Recovery After Ankle Replacement Surgery
Recovery may take 6 to 12 months depending on individual health and rehabilitation progress.
Immediately After Surgery
- The leg is elevated to reduce swelling
- Pain medication is provided
- Blood clot prevention measures are started
- Hospital stay may last a few days
First Few Weeks
- A splint or cast is applied
- Crutches or a walker are used
- Weight-bearing is restricted
- Follow-up X-rays monitor healing
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy plays a key role and may include:
- Guided standing and walking training
- Swelling reduction techniques
- Strengthening exercises
- Flexibility and range-of-motion training
Gradually, weight-bearing increases under medical supervision.
Risks of Ankle Replacement Surgery
Although ankle replacement surgery is generally successful, possible risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Nerve injury
- Implant loosening
- Bone healing problems
- Dislocation
- Adjacent joint arthritis
Certain factors like smoking, low bone density, or uncontrolled diabetes may increase complication risk. Discuss all concerns with your orthopedic surgeon before surgery.
What to Expect After Surgery?
After discharge:
- Keep the leg elevated initially
- Wear splint or cast as advised
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Report increased pain, fever, or swelling immediately
The splint may later be replaced with a boot or cast. Full return to normal activities may take several months, depending on healing and rehabilitation progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern ankle implants are designed to last 10–20 years, depending on the patient’s age, activity level, weight, and overall bone health. Regular follow-ups help ensure long-term implant performance.
Ankle replacement preserves joint movement, whereas ankle fusion restricts motion. The best option depends on the patient’s condition, age, bone quality, and lifestyle. An orthopedic specialist can guide you in choosing the most suitable treatment.
Some pain is expected after surgery, but it is managed with medications and proper post-operative care. Most patients report significant pain relief compared to their pre-surgery condition once recovery progresses.
Recovery typically takes 6–12 months. Patients initially use crutches or a walker and undergo physiotherapy to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Patients with severe ankle arthritis who continue to experience pain despite medications, physiotherapy, and conservative treatments may be good candidates for ankle replacement surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Abhijit S. Agashe ?
Dr Abhijit S. Agashe is the Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Pune who performs the surgery using all the advanced technology which gives the best result. He is the most experienced orthopedic surgeon in Pune
Agashe Clinic
- Research Award by Bone and Joint Decade – 2004
- Esteemed Fellowship Offered By The AO Group From Switzerland – 2008
- Fellowship With Prof. Willium Peterson From Germany In Sports Medicine – 2007
Address
- Office no 206, Siddharth Towers Building no 1 Near Karishma society, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411029
- 086006 53737
- puneortho@gmail.com
