Ankle Replacement Richardson & Dallas, TX

Eminent Medical Center offers cutting-edge surgical techniques for patients seeking ankle replacement surgery in Richardson and Dallas, Texas.

Our DFW surgeon team will typically recommend ankle replacement or ankle arthroplasty for patients suffering from chronic ankle pain due to severe ankle arthritis, foot and ankle trauma, or cartilage damage that has led to the deterioration of the ankle or surrounding joints. When nonsurgical treatment options no longer provide relief, ankle replacement surgery offers a way to restore function and alignment.

The decision to undergo ankle replacement surgeries to address ankle arthritis or joint damage is never taken lightly. Our ankle surgeon team guides each potential patient through every step of the total ankle arthroplasty procedure, ensuring they’re fully informed and confident in the proposed treatment plan.

As a leading Richardson orthopedic surgery center, our ankle replacement surgery team in Dallas and Richardson, TX, can help you reclaim the active lifestyle you deserve. Call 469-910-8800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Ankle Joint Anatomy

The ankle joint is where the leg, including the shin bone (tibia) and fibula bone, meets the foot bone (talus). These bones come together at the tibiotalar joint, which acts like a hinge and allows your foot and ankle to move up and down perpendicular to the leg bone. Ligaments and tendons hold the tibiotalar joint securely, while smooth cartilage helps the bones move without friction. When this wears down, often due to foot and ankle injury or ankle arthritis, it can cause ankle pain, leading to the need for ankle replacement surgery.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Ankle Joint Pain

If you’re experiencing difficulty walking due to foot and ankle pain or ankle arthritis, there are several nonsurgical treatments to consider before opting for ankle replacement surgery.

You might start physical therapy, where a physical therapist creates exercise regimens to strengthen muscles surrounding the ankle. Other treatments include pain relief medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

However, when the treatment doesn’t provide ankle pain relief and you still have difficulty walking, your healthcare provider might recommend ankle surgery to help you return to an active lifestyle with less pain.

Types of Ankle Surgery

Our team of Dallas and Richardson foot and ankle surgery specialists offers various ankle surgery options for ankle arthritis and long-term pain relief. The most common types of ankle surgery include ankle fusion and total ankle replacement.

Ankle Fusion Surgery

Ankle fusion surgery, also known as ankle arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat ankle arthritis and severe joint instability. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and fuses the bones of the ankle and neighboring joints together.

Since this procedure doesn’t involve prosthetics that can wear over time, this is recommended for younger patients with an active lifestyle. Ankle fusions result in less pain and inflammation, but do somewhat limit the range of motion in the foot and ankle. The limited range of motion can potentially affect the way a patient walks and carries an increased risk of arthritis developing in other joints.

Recovery typically takes a few months, during which time the bones gradually fuse, providing a stable but less flexible joint.

Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty, aims to maintain joint mobility.

During a total ankle replacement or total ankle arthroplasty procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portions of the ankle and replaces them with an artificial implant made of plastic and metal parts. Because total ankle replacement is more invasive, it is performed under general anesthesia or a nerve block.

Total ankle replacements are often recommended for patients with end-stage arthritis who have severe cartilage deterioration.

Although the recovery process for total ankle arthroplasty can be lengthy, total ankle replacement surgeries offer the benefit of maintaining some natural movement in the ankle and reducing stress on surrounding joints.

Ankle Joint Surgery Options for Patients With Avascular Necrosis of the Talus

Avascular necrosis of the talus happens when the blood supply to the talus bone in the ankle is cut off, causing the bone to slowly die. This makes ankle surgery more complicated because the bone is weaker and more prone to damage.

While a total ankle replacement can still be considered, the risks are higher since the procedure can further harm the blood vessels, causing the bone to wear down more quickly. Additionally, with a total ankle replacement, the weakened talus can put more pressure on neighboring joints, which might cause other problems.

Because of the risks of ankle replacement surgery, your surgeon will carefully consider the best approach and might suggest other treatments or specialized techniques to protect the bone and mitigate the increased risk.

DFW Total Ankle Replacement Surgery at Eminent Medical Center

We provide the highest quality care for patients undergoing total ankle replacement surgery in Richardson or Dallas, Texas. Here’s what you can expect for total ankle arthroplasty at Eminent Medical Center:

Before the total ankle replacement procedure, your surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation and may advise you to stop smoking and discontinue blood thinners to reduce the risk of complications associated with total ankle replacements.
During the total ankle replacement procedure, your skilled foot and ankle surgeon will remove the damaged parts of the joint and replace them with an artificial implant.
After the total ankle replacement procedure, you will likely stay one night in the hospital for monitoring. Follow-up x-rays will be taken to ensure proper placement of the implant, and physical therapy will be essential in your recovery.

For more information regarding total ankle replacement in Richardson and Dallas, Texas, contact Eminent Medical Center.

DFW Ankle Fusion Surgery at Eminent Medical Center

Patients undergoing ankle fusion in Richardson or Dallas, TX, can expect comprehensive care from our expert foot and ankle surgeon team. Ankle fusion is recommended for those with severe instability of the ankle joint due to injury or ankle arthritis. This is typically a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a hospital stay.

Before the procedure, your surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation and may advise stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners.
On the day of the procedure, an anesthesiologist will give you either general or regional anesthesia to numb the area, allowing you to stay comfortable. Your surgeon will remove any remaining cartilage from the ankle joint and connect the bones together to create a more stable joint.
After the procedure, patients will experience a limited range of motion, but this is balanced by increased stability. Physical therapy will be an important part of your recovery.

For more information regarding ankle fusion in Richardson and Dallas, Texas, contact Eminent Medical Center.

Dallas and Richardson Ankle Arthroplasty FAQs

Patients considering ankle replacements in Dallas and Richardson, TX typically ask the following questions regarding the procedure. Our surgical team has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about ankle arthroplasty. You can discuss these with your healthcare provider to determine if total ankle replacement is the right option for you.

What is the Best Ankle Replacement Device?

There isn’t one “best” ankle replacement device. The right choice for you depends on your specific needs and how damaged your joint is. Your surgeon will choose the best device based on factors like how severe your ankle arthritis is, how active you are, and how your foot and ankle are aligned.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for Ankle Replacement?

The following are not good candidates for ankle replacements: those with certain medical conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy or a history of blood clots, may face an increased risk of complications during and after the surgery, and those with an active infection or those whose overall health is poor are also at an increased risk of complications after total ankle replacement surgery.

How Long After Ankle Replacement Can You Walk?

After a total ankle replacement surgery, many people can put weight on their foot and ankle within a few weeks. However, it’s still not safe to walk on uneven ground until your new ankle joint is fully healed. Physical therapy will be a crucial part of the total ankle replacement recovery.

What Happens When Ankle Replacement Wears Out?

When an ankle replacement wears out, the plastic and metal parts of the artificial joint have deteriorated due to wear and tear. Typically, patients will need additional surgery to replace the plastic and metal parts. You’ll ned to discuss a follow-up procedure to restore the joint function with your healthcare provider.

How Painful is an Ankle Replacement?

Ankle replacement surgery does involve some pain, as with any major surgical procedure, but it is generally well-managed with modern pain relief methods. You won’t feel anything during total ankle replacement surgery, but after the total ankle replacement procedure, your healthcare provider will provide pain medications and other strategies to manage discomfort. Most patients report significantly less pain within the first few weeks, and with proper physical therapy and care, the pain continues to lessen over time.

Why Choose Eminent Medical for DFW Ankle Replacement Surgery?

Choosing Eminent Medical Center for your ankle replacement surgery in Richardson and Dallas means trusting a leadingtotal joint surgery center in Dallas and Richardson, TX. Our team of highly skilled surgeons is dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced surgical treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes. With our state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate care, Eminent Medical Center is the top choice for ankle replacements in the DFW area. Call 469-910-8800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.