Ankle Replacement – Causes and Risk 

Ankle replacement is a surgical method to relieve pain caused by severe chronic diseases such as arthritis.

Ankle replacement is not the best treatment for patients suffering from a bone infection, diabetes, or obesity. Ankle replacement is more often done while the patient is under the effect of general anesthesia. A Las Vegas, NV foot and ankle specialist will replace the ankle bone with the artificial joint, relieving the patient from the pain. 

Causes 

• Osteoarthritis: The standard type of arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that comforts and supports the bone wears away and causes pain. To relieve the pain, the doctor advises the patient to opt for ankle replacement.
• Infection: Patients who come in contact with the infection in the ankle need to undergo ankle replacement, as the infection may travel to other parts of the body via the bloodstream and cause severe damage. 
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain that occurs in the ankle indicates that the patient needs to undergo ankle replacement.
• Disability: Limited movement and loss of range of motion indicate the replacement of the ankle joint.
• Weakness: Patients with arthritis feel their strength as the ligament responsible for holding bones weakens and no longer bears the strain. The patient is advised to look after an ankle replacement, which helps regain mobility and functioning of the leg and ankle.
• Fracture: Severe fractures in the ankle that heal slowly and improperly can lead to limitation in the joint’s movement. Ankle replacement is an ideal solution to fix this problem and restore its capability to overcome this problem.
• Instability: Multiple ankle sprains can create severe pain during sports and find that the ankle becomes weak and unstable as the ligament becomes weak by overstretching, and the patient needs to go for ankle replacement.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Injuries to the ankle can damage the cartilage, and changing the movement of the joint by wearing out causes pain and swelling in the joint, which increases if the patient is overweight. Continued injury is advised to opt for ankle replacement.

Risks: 

An ankle replacement is associated with several risks, some of which include: 

1. Ankle weakness and instability
2. Loosening of the artificial joint 
3. Nerve damage impairs the functioning of the organ.
4. Allergic reaction
5. Dislocation 
6. Failure to heal

A broken ankle can be treated using conservative methods, and ankle replacement may be required in severe cases. To get further guidance regarding ankle replacement surgery, contact your doctor.