Press Releases
Durham Regional Hospital Health Spot- Total Ankle Replacement Surgery
Nov. 5, 2007Durham, NC- Total ankle replacement surgery replaces all parts of the natural surface of the ankle joint with a covering of metal separated by plastic. This surgery is ideal for people who suffer from chronic debilitating ankle pain due to a severe loss of cartilage.
"Total ankle replacement can provide significant relief and range of motion equivalent or slightly better than before surgery. The newer designs also do not require as much surgery as those done in the past and are designed to mimic the normal ankle," says James K. DeOrio, M.D., Duke othopaedic surgeon who specializes in ankle replacement surgery.
DeOrio, along with James Nunley, M.D., has been performing total ankle replacement surgery since 1999. DeOrio uses the INBONETM Total Ankle, the Salto TalarisTM Ankle Replacement and revises The AgilityTM Total Ankle Replacement System. DeOrio has performed more total ankle replacements using the INBONETM Total Ankle System than anyone in the world.
Patients who receive total ankle replacement include those who have broken the ankle and now have severe post traumatic arthritis, as well as people who have severe inflammatory arthropathy of the ankle, like rheumatoid arthritis. A history of repetitive ankle sprains may also cause the cartilage to wear out.
Most people who undergo total ankle replacement are greater than 50 years-of-age. However, DeOrio has performed surgery on patients as young as 38, as well as some rheumatoid arthritis patients in their twenties. "Success of the procedure depends on the patient's expectations and a willingness to undergo revision surgery later in life if they have surgery at an early age," says DeOrio.
Patents who have had their ankles replaced are discouraged from starting or returning to high impact activity that may strain the ankle or damage the prosthesis. According to DeOrio, "if you want to be able to walk, play golf, dance and do other light activities, then a replacement may be right for you."
According to DeOrio, there are some things to consider before undergoing ankle replacement surgery. "It is a big procedure and the risks are somewhat greater than for hip and knee replacement." These risks can include numbness, tingling, fracture of the ankle, wound breakdown, failure of the prosthesis, revision of the prosthesis and in rare situations, amputation.
A typical total ankle replacement surgery is done on an outpatient basis. Patients return approximately three weeks after surgery for the removal of cast and stitches. If the wound is healing properly, they are placed in a walking boot for three weeks. After this time, they can wear regular shoes with little to no physical therapy. The surgical outcome for total ankle replacement is 80 percent good or excellent.
Total ankle replacement surgery can be performed at Durham Regional Hospital. To find a surgeon call 919-403-4DRH (4373).
DeOrio will discuss ankle replacement surgery, as well as common foot and ankle problems, during "Foot and Ankle Pain. Is there any relief out there?" November 20, 2007 at 7 pm in the First Level Classroom at Durham Regional Hospital. The seminar is free of charge and light refreshments will be provided. To register, call 919-403-4DRH or visit www.durhamregional.org.
