Total Ankle Replacement in Portland, OR
Severe ankle arthritis can make walking, exercising, and everyday activities difficult. Dr. Natalie Mesnier provides specialized foot and ankle care in Portland, OR, including total ankle replacement for appropriately selected patients with advanced ankle arthritis. Her practice is located at Multnomah Orthopaedic Clinic in Northeast Portland.
What Is Total Ankle Replacement?
Total ankle replacement, also called total ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged surfaces of the ankle joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to reduce arthritis-related pain while preserving ankle motion.
Unlike ankle fusion, which permanently joins the bones of the ankle joint, ankle replacement is designed to maintain movement. It may be considered when arthritis has significantly affected the joint and nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief.
What Are the Benefits of Total Ankle Replacement?
For appropriately selected patients, total ankle replacement may offer several potential benefits, including:
- Relief from pain associated with advanced ankle arthritis
- Preservation of ankle joint motion
- Improved ability to walk and perform daily activities
- Potentially less stress on nearby joints compared with ankle fusion
- An option for treating advanced arthritis when conservative care is no longer providing adequate relief
When Is Total Ankle Replacement Recommended?
Total ankle replacement may be recommended when:
- Ankle arthritis causes persistent pain and functional limitations
- Nonsurgical treatments have not provided adequate relief
- The ankle joint has significant cartilage loss or damage
- The patient's bone, ligament, and overall ankle condition are appropriate for replacement
- Preserving ankle motion is an important treatment consideration
What Does Preparation for Total Ankle Replacement Involve?
Preparation begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the ankle, including a review of your symptoms and medical history, a physical examination, and appropriate imaging. Dr. Mesnier evaluates the severity of arthritis and assesses ankle alignment, stability, bone quality, and surrounding structures. You may also receive instructions regarding medications, activity, weight-bearing, and postoperative planning.
How Is Total Ankle Replacement Performed?
During total ankle replacement, the damaged portions of the ankle joint are carefully removed and replaced with prosthetic components. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, with the implant positioned to restore appropriate joint alignment and movement.
Depending on your condition, additional procedures may sometimes be performed to address associated deformity, instability, or other problems affecting the foot and ankle.
What to Expect During Recovery After Total Ankle Replacement?
Recovery after total ankle replacement is gradual and varies from patient to patient. Initially, the ankle is protected while the surgical site heals, and weight-bearing may be restricted. As healing progresses, you gradually increase activity according to your surgeon's instructions.
Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength, mobility, balance, and function. While early recovery takes several weeks, functional improvement can continue for several months.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Total Ankle Replacement?
As with any surgery, total ankle replacement has potential risks and complications. These may include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve or blood-vessel injury
- Wound-healing problems
- Implant loosening or wear
- Persistent pain or stiffness
- Instability or changes in alignment
- Need for additional surgery
Dr. Mesnier will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives with you before treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Mesnier for Total Ankle Replacement in Portland?
Dr. Natalie Mesnier is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle reconstruction. She completed fellowship training in foot and ankle reconstruction and focuses her practice on conditions affecting the foot and ankle, including ankle arthritis and ankle replacement.
Patients seeking total ankle replacement in Portland can receive specialized evaluation and treatment at Multnomah Orthopaedic Clinic in Northeast Portland.
Total Ankle Replacement FAQs
How long does a total ankle replacement last?
The longevity of an ankle replacement varies based on factors such as implant type, activity level, alignment, bone quality, and individual patient factors. Dr. Mesnier can discuss the expected longevity of an implant based on your circumstances.
Is total ankle replacement better than ankle fusion?
Total ankle replacement and ankle fusion have different goals and may be appropriate for different patients. Total ankle replacement is designed to preserve ankle motion, while fusion eliminates movement at the ankle joint. Your surgeon can help determine which option is appropriate based on your condition and treatment goals.
How long does recovery take after ankle replacement?
Recovery is gradual and varies between patients. Weight-bearing restrictions are typically followed by progressive rehabilitation, with functional recovery continuing for several months.
Can ankle replacement treat severe arthritis?
Total ankle replacement may be an option for appropriately selected patients with advanced ankle arthritis when nonsurgical treatment is no longer providing adequate relief.
Total Ankle Replacement in Portland, OR
If ankle arthritis is affecting your mobility and daily activities, Dr. Natalie Mesnier can evaluate your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options. Schedule an appointment at Multnomah Orthopaedic Clinic in Portland, OR, to learn whether total ankle replacement may be appropriate for you.
