MD Podiatrist Discusses Ankle Replacement Surgery
Over the last few years, ankle replacement surgeries have increased in the U.S. This is due to better implants and safer surgical procedures. “In the last 15 to 20 years, technology has come a long way and is a standard of care for ankle arthritis. It treats arthritis and allows the function of the ankle to continue so you still have the range of motion and it’s a very good pain relieving surgery,” said Dan Michaels, DPM.
Previously, doctors would perform ankle fusions, but it left patients with less motion in the ankle, but lacking function and motion. “Pain-free range of motion we basically will remove the arthritic portion of the joint, replace it with a metal prosthetic and a plastic piece in the middle which removes the painful arthritic portion of the joint but continues to move,” added Dr. Michaels.