Ankle surgery Sunnybank is a common procedure that involves stabilizing and aligning the ankle joint. It may also involve removing bone fragments and damaged cartilage. In some cases, the skin and muscle of the ankle are also repaired. The recovery time for ankle surgery is typically a couple of weeks, although some patients may be able to go home the same day. After surgery, patients should follow specific postoperative instructions, which will include resting the ankle and walking on crutches.
Surgical options include a fusion procedure, which fuses the bones of the ankle to repair the ankle joint. This procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Patients may spend the night in the hospital, where a pain management specialist will monitor their recovery and manage any discomfort. Patients will usually be given a supportive splint for the first two weeks following the procedure. They will then be fitted with a removable boot. Patients will not be able to bear weight on their ankle for three to four weeks, but can gradually return to walking with crutches.
A surgeon may use a video camera to guide his or her actions during the procedure. The camera allows the surgeon to see the joint as he or she works. During the procedure, the surgeon will make two or three small incisions on the ankle. One of these incisions is for the insertion of the arthroscope, which enables the surgeon to see the joint from a closer angle. The other two incisions are used to insert surgical instruments and remove damaged tissue.
Before the surgery, patients should be given antibiotics and anesthesia. After the anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will make incisions in the skin of the ankle to access the broken bone. After the surgery, the bones will be repositioned and stabilized with implants. After surgery, the patient may be fitted with a protective boot, splint, or cast to protect the ankle from any further damage.
After ankle surgery, patients must use crutches for a few weeks and may require up to two to four months of physical therapy. Many young people are able to return to activity four or five months after the procedure. However, people with chronic medical conditions and certain habits may take longer to recover. The risks associated with ankle surgery include anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves, blood vessels, and swelling.
Ankle surgery can be an effective treatment for some people suffering from ankle arthritis. An ankle replacement, however, is not appropriate for some people with certain conditions. Patients with osteonecrosis or Charcot arthropathy should not have this surgery. Ankle replacement can cause discomfort and pain, and some patients may require an implant in addition to a revision surgery.
A posterior malleolus fracture is an example of a fracture that leads to arthritis. This type of fracture is caused by an unfavorable force that breaks the bone and impairs its mobility. Patients should avoid any activity that puts undue strain on the ankle. A physician will check for instability by using x-rays to diagnose the fracture.
Surgical options for ankle fusion include the fusion of the talus and tibia bones. While this type of surgery is effective in relieving pain, it is associated with limitations in the range of motion. While this may improve a patient's quality of life, patients must remember that the artificial ankle will wear out and eventually need to be replaced. A patient with this procedure will require physical therapy and take pain medication for at least two weeks.
Total ankle joint replacement is another option for people with ankle arthritis. This procedure replaces damaged bones with durable metal and plastic parts that replicate the motion of a healthy joint and eliminate the pain of arthritis. This surgery requires general anesthesia, and a surgeon will make an incision above the ankle joint. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove damaged bone and cartilage from the joint and implant two metal pieces to replace it. A plastic spacer will be placed in between the two pieces to ensure a smooth gliding motion. The incision is then closed with stitches.
The most common type of ankle surgery is a modified Brostrom procedure. It involves the reconstruction of the ankle's talus, tibia, and fibula. This surgery also involves tightening the ankle's ligaments. During this procedure, a skilled surgeon will make a small incision and close the incision with a dissolving stitch.