Total ankle arthroplasty may be a good treatment option for some people living with arthritis

According to Medical News Today, total ankle arthroplasty, also known as total ankle replacement, may greatly increase a patient's ability to move the ankle. In a recent study, age didn’t significantly affect the benefits of the procedure. Patients over 70 who had ankle arthroplasty experienced almost the same improvement in movement as patients who were in their 50s. These findings show that total ankle arthroplasty may be superior to other forms of ankle surgery for some arthritic problems. The study of 42 patients was conducted by the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

What is total ankle arthroplasty?

In total ankle arthroplasty, the surgeon removes the patient's ankle bone and joint and replaces it with an artificial one. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or a nerve block. The surgeon will approach through the front or side of the ankle and attach the implant to the ends of the bone to create a new ankle joint. In some cases, the calf and Achilles tendon may need to be altered to accommodate the implant.

When should it be done?

According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, total ankle arthroplasty should be considered in patients who are experiencing pain and loss of movement due to arthritis. It should be reserved for people who have already tried conservative therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and pain medications. It is not the best choice for everyone, and even the people to whom it is recommended should be careful to choose an implant that fits their body well. Poorly chosen implants may result in complications after the surgery.

Total ankle arthroplasty should not be performed on patients who have infection or poor blood circulation in the legs, inadequate muscle function near the ankle, a dead bone or deformity in the talus, or other ankle-specific conditions. Talk with your doctor about whether total ankle arthroplasty is right for you.

Why it's better than ankle arthrodesis

Ankle arthrodesis, commonly known as ankle fusion, is a procedure that fuses the bones in the ankle joint together, eliminating pain and preventing further damage from arthritis. While arthrodesis may reduce the symptoms of arthritis, it also reduces the amount of movement possible. Another concern about ankle arthrodesis is that it puts more pressure on other joints in the leg and foot, which may cause wear. Total ankle arthroplasty eliminates some of these issues.

Is total ankle arthroplasty good for people with RA?

Total ankle arthroplasty may be a good treatment option for some people with rheumatoid arthritis. RA patients typically have the kind of damage to their joints that may be helped by total ankle arthroplasty. However, it's not right for all patients. Again, talk with your doctor.

For more on arthritis treatments:

Outside-the-Box Arthritis Treatment
What is the Best Treatment for Knee Arthritis Pain?
Finding the Right Treatment for Your Osteoarthritis of the Knee