Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle joint replacement presents itself as a viable recourse for select patients, promising restoration of function and relief from debilitating pain.
(800) 871-8606
APPOINTMENT
Elderly man holding his ankle, ankle pain. Sprained and swollen ankle

Total Ankle Replacement

  • 10 Main Street, San Francisco, CA 99999
  • (800) 871-8606
Appointment
(800) 871-8606

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Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle joint replacement presents itself as a viable recourse for select patients, promising restoration of function and relief from debilitating pain.
(800) 244-4014
APPOINTMENT
Elderly man holding his ankle, ankle pain. Sprained and swollen ankle

Table of Contents

Total Ankle Replacement - Overview

Preservation of ankle joint motion is imperative for being able to complete everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and engaging in recreational activities. When constant pain and limited mobility are affecting your daily life, it’s time to consider an alternative. Total ankle replacement surgery can restore your ankle function and provide relief from debilitating pain. With great advances in medical technology, this procedure is becoming more common with established success rates. Ideal candidates for ankle replacement are:
  • Individuals over 50 years old who maintain a healthy weight;
  • Those who suffer from severe ankle arthritis;
  • Individuals who previously had unsuccessful surgeries and are in pain with limited mobility;
  • Those who had a bad ankle sprain or fracture in their younger years;
  • Individuals who do not suffer from advanced diabetes, compromised bone quality, or circulatory issues.
Following surgery, recovery, and physical therapy, patients can resume many activities like walking, hiking, swimming, or biking. Conversely, activities such as running, basketball, tennis, and heavy lifting should be avoided.

The History of Total Ankle Replacement

Ankle replacement surgery dates back to the 1970s, when a pioneering physician attempted to replace the ankle with an inverted total hip replacement. In the years that followed, efforts often failed due to a lack of a dependable surgical solution. Poor implant attachment methods, imprecise placement, and misalignment with natural joint mechanics made early attempts unsuccessful.

The surgical landscape evolved with the advent of second-generation implants in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Over the last few decades, refinements in instrumentation, materials, and engineering have propelled ankle replacement into the future. Today, patients have options when it comes to their ankle health, including Total Ankle Replacement.

Successful Outcomes of Ankle Replacement Surgery

Today, successful surgical outcomes are very good and offer a level of predictability and functionality surpassing that of ankle fusion. Unlike fusion, which curtails the ankle’s up-and-down motion, total ankle replacement preserves joint mobility, thereby enhancing overall function.

The motion of the ankle implant also serves a protective role for neighboring foot joints, mitigating the risk of arthritis development due to the amplified stress accompanying ankle fusion. Patients with ankle fusion are almost always confronted with arthritis in adjacent foot joints within a decade post-surgery.

Innovation for Ankle Care

Thanks to advances in medical technology, surgical outcomes for total ankle replacement surgery have improved greatly. The surgery now offers a level of predictability and functionality for those who are candidates for total ankle replacement surgery.

The health of the ankle radiates to all the neighboring joints. As such, ankle replacement surgery benefits the whole foot and ankle.

Ankle Replacement in the San Francisco Bay Area and Beyond

Since 2005, several revolutionary implant designs have successfully navigated the FDA approval process. These designs boast significant advantages over their predecessors, including streamlined placement procedures and enhanced instrumentation accuracy. Noteworthy examples we have used in our clinic include APEX 3DTM, InboneTM, InfinityTM, InvisionTM, CadenceTM, Salto TalarisTM, STARTM, VantageTM, and Zimmer Trabecular MetalTM implants.

Ankle Replacement in the San Francisco Bay Area and Beyond

Dr. Jack Schuberth stands as a luminary in the realm of ankle replacement, leveraging over two decades of experience in the field, completing more that 1600 ankle replacements (with more than 400 being revisions). Renowned for his expertise, Dr. Schuberth boasts one of the most prolific ankle replacement practices on the West Coast. Complementing his clinical endeavors, Dr. Schuberth actively participates in surgical education and research endeavors, shaping the future landscape of ankle replacement surgery through his intimate involvement in implant design with several commercial vendors.

“These procedures are performed in the hospital on an outpatient basis. I allow full weight-bearing in most cases within two weeks after surgery.”

Dr. Jack Schuberth of Bay Area Foot Care

Bay Area Foot Care - Ankle Replacement Specialists

Jack Schuberth, DPM

Jack Schuberth, DPM

  • Dr. Schuberth’s work has drawn world-renown and patients seek out his expertise as an absolute authority in Total Ankle Replacement and other advanced Foot and Ankle Treatments.
  • His talent as a clinician and surgeon is legendary and his meticulous attention to detail sets an example for all who have had the privilege to work with him.
Glenn Weinraub

Glenn Weinraub, DPM

  • Dr. Weinraub is a renowned reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon, specializing in Ankle Joint Replacement, Trauma, Arthroscopy and Adult ankle & foot deformities.
  • Past President American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
  • CEO of Bones Pro Bono, Vietnam Project.

Conclusion

According to Dr. Jack Schuberth of Bay Area Foot Care, “these procedures are performed in the hospital on an outpatient basis. I allow full weight bearing in most cases within two weeks after surgery.”

If you are dealing with ankle discomfort or pain, you should seek the guidance of a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Reach out to us today at Bay Area Foot Care to restore mobility to your ankle and enhance your quality of life.

FAQs - Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle replacement surgery, also known as ankle arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the ankle joint with prosthetic components. The goal of this procedure is to relieve the patient’s pain and improve their ankle function.
Candidates for ankle replacement typically suffer from severe ankle arthritis or have had previous unsuccessful surgeries and are experiencing significant pain and impaired mobility. Those who suffered from a bad ankle sprain or fracture in their teens or twenties are also good candidates for ankle replacement surgery.
Full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 months, with most patients returning to normal activities by 3 to 6 months post-surgery. Most patients will be allowed full weight-bearing in a protective boot after 4 to 6 weeks.
Patients are typically non-weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery in a cast or protective boot. After which, most patients can bear some weight while wearing a boot. Patients typically return to regular shoes around 8 weeks. Each individual’s specific timeline will be determined with the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist.
Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking are encouraged. High-impact sports or activities should be discussed with your surgeon.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any signs of infection (Fever, swelling, pus, discoloration, foul odor). You should also call if you have any severe pain, excessive swelling, or any other concerning symptoms.

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