If you've suffered a severe ankle injury that requires a full ankle replacement, there are some important things you need to know. As frightening as your upcoming surgery may seem, the truth is ankle replacement surgeries have proven to be very effective, oftentimes helping restore full function in patients' feet.

At Foot and Ankle Associates of Southwest Virginia, P.C, Dr. Zelen conducts ankle replacement surgeries to ankle joints that have been severely damaged. Ankle replacement surgery involves replacing damaged ankle bone and cartilage tissues with artificial joint parts known as prosthetics.

Some of the leading reasons for ankle replacement surgery include:

• Arthritis, often due to a previous ankle surgery
• Bad bone fracture
• Severe ankle infection(s)
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

How It Works

During a typical ankle replacement procedure, Dr. Zelen will first administer anesthesia so you won't feel a thing. Then,  will make an incision in your ankle in an area that greatly exposes your underlying ankle joint. Next,  will remove your damaged ankle bone and cartilage structures, replacing them with a new artificial joint that gets permanently attached to the still-existing bone structure beneath. During surgery we are able to hold the artificial joint to the bone with the use of a unique cement that your body's immune system will accept.

Once the joint is placed in your foot, a piece of plastic will be placed between the metal sections of your new joint. We will then close up the incision using stitches, completing your full ankle replacement.

It is recommended that patients wear protective footwear, like a splint, cast, or brace, as the wound heals. Also, patients should have another person take them home following the surgery and have continued second-person care for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

For more information about ankle replacement surgeries from Foot and Ankle Associates of Southwest Virginia, P.C and how they can successfully restore your foot function and relieve persistent pain, contact our Salem, Roanoke, or Martinsville locations today!