Ankle Replacement

At Surgical Solutions Network, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons offer ankle replacement surgery, also called ankle arthroplasty, for patients across Canada. This procedure is required when the ankle joint is stiff, painful, or damaged, usually due to arthritis, and conservative measures such as pain medication, injections, and physical therapy are no longer effective at managing symptoms.

Ankle Replacement Surgery With Surgical Solutions Network

Patients from Canada and worldwide choose Surgical Solutions’ private medical clinics for ankle replacement surgery. We’re a network of accredited private medical clinics across Canada, with centres in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Calgary. Our orthopedic surgeons have years of experience and are known for excellence in performance and outcomes with this procedure. We are committed to helping you regain full ankle function so you can return to your daily activities. We provide exceptional pre and post-operative care in accordance with our patient-centred philosophy. We aim to provide our patients with a compassionate, caring, and rewarding experience. In Canada, private healthcare is an option for quick access to ankle replacement surgery.

Why Is Ankle Replacement Performed?

The ankle joint can lose its cartilage covering through injury, infection, or wear and tear. The decision to have ankle replacement surgery is primarily based on pain that interferes with normal daily activities. When you cannot control this pain with nonsurgical treatments, it is appropriate to consider ankle replacement surgery.

What Are the Nonsurgical Treatments for Ankle Arthritis?

Standard nonsurgical options for ankle pain due to arthritis include:

• Avoiding painful activities and wearing comfortable shoes. In general, shoes that lace up above the ankle and have a cushioned heel are more protective than other types of shoes. 
• Ankle bracing with an ankle lacer device that fits inside the shoe and laces up like an old-fashioned boot.
• Wearing an AFO (ankle foot orthosis). This plastic brace worn inside the shoe goes along the back of the leg and the underside of the foot. It requires a slightly larger than normal shoe size.

When nonsurgical treatments stop working or are ineffective, it might be time for ankle replacement surgery.

Is an Ankle Replacement Better Than Ankle Fusion?

An ankle replacement can relieve pain while maintaining motion in the arthritic ankle joint. Ankle fusion (technically called arthrodesis) can also relieve pain, but it eliminates motion in the joint.

How Do I Qualify for This Procedure?

As part of your consultation, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon will:

• Examine your X-rays to look for a narrowed joint.
• Review your past medical history.
• Ensure you have no infections that need to be treated before surgery.
• Confirm that you do not smoke or will stop smoking; this is paramount to the success of an ankle arthroplasty.

What Can I Expect With Ankle Replacement Surgery?

Ankle replacement is a procedure that has been available for approximately 25 years. Over the last ten years, ankle arthroplasty has grown in popularity as the implants available for replacement have improved. Ankle replacement surgery involves removing damaged portions of the ankle and replacing them with prosthetic implants. The surgery replicates the original function, allowing for a near-normal range of motion for the patient.

Your surgeon will be able to discuss the recommended technique and prosthetic to suit your needs. We will review the procedure during a consultation, including the risks, benefits, recovery, and life after the procedure. At Clearpoint Surgical Toronto, our surgeons use the INBONE™ Total Ankle System and the INFINITY™ Total Ankle System from Wright Medical.

How Painful Is a Total Ankle Replacement?

It is important to understand that an ankle replacement is major surgery. After ankle replacement, the most common complaints are pain, stiffness, achiness, and swelling. Deep “arthritic joint” pain should be gone the minute you wake up from surgery, but post-surgical pain in ankle replacement surgery can be significant.

While patients react differently to surgery and anaesthetic, in our experience, the techniques and protocols used by our surgeons and anaesthetists allow for faster rehabilitation to help patients get back to their lives as quickly as possible.

Ankle Replacement Surgery FAQ

Next Steps: Book Your Consultation Today

If you are ready to discuss ankle replacement surgery with one of our orthopedic surgeons, contact us using our online form to learn more and request a consultation today. Discover options for private healthcare in Canada and learn how our private medical clinics can expedite your surgery. Please note that we will require your X-ray and/or MRI images along with some basic medical history to prepare for your consultation appropriately. Consultations can take place via telephone or video conference.