Conditions of the foot and ankle may include:

• arthritis and related complications
• complications from diabetes
• fractures
• heel, arch, and toe pain
• nerve or tendon injury
• neuromuscular problems
• pain
• sports and exercise-related injuries
• trauma or sprains

Many foot and ankle conditions can be addressed using:

• monitoring and treatment for complications of diabetes
• pain management techniques
• physical rehabilitation

Ankle fusion surgery fuses together the bones in your ankle. This is done using internal and external devices - such as rods and pins - to hold your bones in place until they heal. Plates and screws may also be used to compress the leg and ankle bones after cartilage removal.

The fusion may be promoted by first inserting bone-graft material, which is usually obtained from another place in your body.

Ankle replacement surgery may become necessary if your ankle bones are very damaged or weakened. Ankle replacement surgery can help alleviate the pain and increase your function - so that everything from daily chores to recreation and leisure becomes possible again.

What is ankle replacement?

Ankle replacement surgery replaces the damaged parts of the three bones that make up the ankle joint.

What is used to replace the bone?

Artificial joint parts - or prosthetics - are used to replace your own bones. They come in different sizes to fit different-size people.

The experienced orthopedic surgical team at Middlesex Health uses state-of-the-art prosthetics to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What steps does the surgeon take during ankle replacement?

• Step 1: Remove the damaged bone
• Step 2: Reshape the three bones that remain in place
• Step 3: Attach the parts of the new artificial joint to the cut bony surfaces. The new parts are held in place with special glue or bone cement. Screws are typically placed through the two leg bones to help support the artificial ankle.
• Step 4: Create a bone graft between the ends of the two primary bones to help stabilize your new ankle.