OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE ANKLE JOINT
Degeneration of the ankle joint is much rarer compared to the hip and knee joints. Patients affected of osteoarthritis of the ankle usually complain of pain when walking or climbing stairs and consequently of a restriction of everyday mobility. Initially, intraarticular injections (e.g. hyaluronic acid), targeted physiotherapy, special insoles and orthoses, and oral painkillers can improve the symptoms.
What treatment options are available if the symptoms increase and conservative therapy has been exhausted?
If joint degeneration of the ankle is far advanced, there are usually only two options: Either the joint is stiffened (so-called arthrodesis) or a motion-sparing treatment with an artificial joint (ankle joint prosthesis) is performed.
What are the main advantages of ankle joint prosthesis compared to an ankle fusion?
The ankle prosthesis enables the patient to achieve a more harmonious gait pattern due to the fact that mobility of the ankle is still possible. In addition, mobilization and full weight-bearing is possible much sooner after the operation (usually after 2 to 4 weeks). Both, with the prosthesis and with the fusion, it is usually possible to achieve a large degree of freedom from pain or a significant reduction in pain.
How is an ankle joint prosthesis constructed?
The design of an ankle joint prosthesis is similar in concept to the design of other joint prostheses, for example of the hip or knee. Metallic components are placed on the lower leg bone (tibia) and the ankle bone (talus) and are usually fixed without bone cement. A medical plastic (polyethylene) is placed between these two metallic components and acts as an artificial cartilage, so to speak.
What is the follow-up treatment after an ankle joint prosthesis?
During the first two weeks, only partial weight bearing is allowed so that the wound can heal properly and the soft tissues around the joint can decongest. Afterwards, the patient may bear the full weight of the body. For the first six weeks after the operation, a lower leg orthosis (e.g. Aircastwalker) should be worn during mobilization. If desired, inpatient rehabilitation can be performed for about three weeks after about 6 weeks when full weight-bearing has been achieved.
fracture 30 years ago
Your specialists for ankle complaints
“Numerous deformities and wear disorders of the foot and ankle can also be treated excellently with minimally invasive techniques.”
PD Dr. Norbert Harrasser
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, Special orthopaedic surgery
“Minimally invasive surgical procedures and regenerative treatment methods quickly return patients with foot injuries to sports and daily life.”
Dr. Erich Rembeck
Specialist in orthopaedics,
Sports medicine
“The patient is often in a state of emergency. Targeted diagnosis and individual therapy are the key to successful treatment.”
Dr. Alexander Rauch
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, Sports medicine, Special trauma surgery
Consultation and contact
Do you have questions about treatment and therapy for ankle complaints? Our specialists will be happy to inform and advise you in detail in a personal consultation. Simply make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.