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Total Ankle Replacement services offered in Fort Worth, Southlake and Weatherford, TX
When severe ankle arthritis interferes with your everyday activities, total ankle replacement can help you move more freely. At Texas Health Care Fort Worth’s Bone & Joint Clinic in Fort Worth, Southlake, and Weatherford, Texas, Dr. Gary Driver uses the most innovative surgical techniques to relieve chronic ankle pain and restore your mobility. To schedule your total ankle replacement consultation, call the nearest office today or use the convenient online scheduler.
Total Ankle Replacement Q&A
What is a total ankle replacement?
A total ankle replacement is a surgery that replaces a damaged ankle joint with artificial parts made of metal or plastic to allow smooth, natural movement. This surgery aims to:
- Relieve chronic ankle pain
- Preserve natural ankle motion
- Improve your walking ability and quality of life
Total ankle replacement is most often used to treat end-stage ankle arthritis, which can result from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis after an ankle injury.
It differs from ankle fusion, which permanently stiffens the joint. Instead, total ankle replacement allows your ankle to move organically, helping you maintain a more natural walking pattern after the procedure.
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Who is a candidate for a total ankle replacement?
Not everyone with ankle pain is eligible for ankle replacement surgery. Good candidates typically:
- Have severe ankle arthritis that hasn’t responded to nonsurgical treatments
- Experience chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility
- Have relatively good bone quality and joint alignment
- Are moderately active rather than high-impact athletes
- Are older adults seeking pain relief and improved function
Dr. Driver can recommend alternative treatments if you:
- Have a severe ankle deformity or instability
- Have an active infection or poor circulation
- Have significant nerve damage
- Engage in high-impact activities, including running and jumping sports
Dr. Driver evaluates each patient individually, using imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans to determine whether total ankle replacement is the best available treatment.
What happens during total ankle replacement surgery?
Total ankle replacement is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center under general or regional anesthesia to ensure your best outcomes.
During the procedure, Dr. Driver makes an incision at the front of the ankle to access the damaged joint and removes damaged bone and cartilage. He precisely positions the artificial components to restore your ankle’s proper alignment and joint movement.
Dr. Driver then closes the incision and stabilizes your ankle with a splint or cast.
Plan to stay in the hospital 1-2 days and keep weight off your ankle for several weeks. Physical therapy strengthens the new ankle and increases mobility while you recover over several months.
With the support of the skilled team at Texas Health Care Fort Worth’s Bone & Joint Clinic, total ankle replacement can significantly reduce your pain and get you back to doing what you love. Schedule your consultation today by booking online or calling the nearest office.