Total Ankle Replacement

Total Ankle Replacement at UVM Health

A total ankle replacement surgically removes damaged tissues in your ankle joint and replaces them with artificial parts. Usually, an ankle replacement treats severe arthritis.

This complex procedure requires specialized skill and training. At University of Vermont Health, your care is in the hands of the region’s only fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons.

We use advanced techniques that promote excellent outcomes.

Close-up of a medical provider examining an X-Ray of an ankle.

Why Choose UVM Health?

Our goal is to restore your function, reduce your pain and help you get back to your daily activities. As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:

Specialized experts: Surgeons must have specialized training to perform ankle replacement surgery. Our team includes fellowship-trained experts who have the skills to manage your care and reduce your risk of complications.
Advanced techniques: We use leading-edge approaches that increase your chances of a good outcome. Our surgeons use techniques that allow us to offer replacements customized to your anatomy.
Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers, many of whom train the next generation of experts. We are at the forefront of research into foot and ankle care.

I had a lot of anxiety coming into this surgery and the whole team was amazing, and very reassuring. I felt really listened too. You're amazing.

UVM Health Patient

Conditions We Treat

A total ankle replacement treats severe ankle arthritis. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the ankle, including:

Osteoarthritis: A breakdown of the ankle joint’s cushioning (cartilage)
Post-traumatic arthritis: Chronic inflammation that develops in the ankle joint after an injury
Rheumatoid arthritis: When your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your ankle joint, causing pain and swelling

What to Expect During Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

Your ankle joint is made up of three separate bones:

Fibula: The small bone that runs along the outside of your leg
Talus: The bone that connects your foot to your leg
Tibia: The shinbone, which runs along the inside of your leg

In a total ankle replacement, your surgeon removes the damaged portions of your talus and tibia. Then they replace them with artificial parts.

During a total ankle replacement, your surgeon:

Makes an incision in your ankle
Removes the damaged parts of your talus and tibia
Attaches metal surfaces to the remaining portions of your talus and tibia
Inserts a plastic spacer so the metal surfaces glide without pain
Closes the incision

You typically stay in the hospital overnight and return home the next day after an ankle replacement. Your surgeon will likely recommend physical therapy to improve your strength and flexibility as you recover.

An ankle replacement can improve your mobility and reduce discomfort. More than 90 percent of patients still have less pain and better mobility after 10 years. Occasionally, you may need minor procedures to remove bone spurs or change out the artificial components in your joint.