Total Ankle Joint Replacement
Relieve chronic ankle pain and restore more natural movement with total ankle joint replacement at Newport Foot & Ankle Center. This advanced surgical procedure treats severe ankle arthritis, joint degeneration, and mobility limitations by replacing damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components that improve function, stability, and long-term comfort.
Total ankle joint replacement is an advanced reconstructive procedure used to treat severe ankle arthritis and joint damage. During surgery, the worn cartilage and damaged portions of the tibia and talus are carefully removed and replaced with prosthetic components that recreate the natural motion of the ankle joint. Unlike ankle fusion, which permanently limits movement, total ankle replacement helps preserve flexibility and improve mobility. Our surgical plans are tailored to your anatomy, activity level, symptoms, and functional goals.
Signs Indicating You May Need Total Ankle Joint Replacement:
- Persistent ankle pain that interferes with walking, standing, or daily activities
- Limited ankle flexibility and reduced range of motion due to joint stiffness
- Swelling, inflammation, or tenderness surrounding the ankle joint
- Difficulty maintaining balance or a normal walking pattern because of joint deterioration
- Minimal relief after physical therapy, bracing, injections, or other conservative treatments
- Advanced ankle arthritis caused by injury, degeneration, or inflammatory conditions
- Grinding, clicking, or bone-on-bone sensations within the ankle joint
- Reduced participation in exercise, travel, or everyday activities
Evaluation & Diagnosis
Your evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, prior injuries, activity level, and how ankle pain affects your daily life. Dr. Haupt will examine your ankle for swelling, instability, alignment changes, stiffness, and movement limitations that may indicate advanced joint degeneration or arthritis.
Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in confirming the extent of ankle damage. X-rays help evaluate cartilage loss, bone-on-bone contact, deformity, and joint alignment, while CT scans or MRIs may provide additional detail when necessary. Dr. Haupt will then determine whether total ankle joint replacement best supports your long-term mobility.
Surgery
During total ankle joint replacement, you are placed under anesthesia while Dr. Haupt accesses the ankle joint through a precise incision along the front of the ankle. Damaged cartilage and arthritic portions of the tibia and talus are meticulously removed while preserving as much healthy bone as possible. Specialized surgical guides and imaging help ensure proper alignment, balance, and implant positioning throughout the procedure.
Once the joint surfaces are prepared, Dr. Haupt places prosthetic components to recreate smoother ankle movement and reduce painful bone-on-bone friction. A durable medical-grade spacer is positioned between the metal components to allow controlled motion within the joint. If necessary, ligament balancing, tendon procedures, or deformity correction may be performed to improve long-term stability, alignment, and function as your ankle heals.
Benefits of Total Ankle Joint Replacement:
- Reduced chronic ankle pain caused by advanced arthritis or joint degeneration
- Preservation of ankle motion compared to traditional ankle fusion procedures
- Improved walking mechanics and more natural joint movement
- Greater ability to participate in daily activities with less discomfort
- Reduced stress placed on neighboring joints within the foot and ankle
- Improved joint stability, balance, and overall mobility
- Correction of certain deformities or alignment issues contributing to ankle dysfunction
- Advanced implant materials that ensure durability and smoother joint function
- Personalized surgical planning tailored to your anatomy and functional goals
Schedule Your Consultation
Newport Foot & Ankle Center is a leading destination for reconstructive foot and ankle care in Orange County. Dr. Jeffrey Haupt’s exceptional surgical training and experience in complex foot and ankle reconstruction allow patients to receive highly specialized care tailored to their goals. From comprehensive evaluation to surgical planning, your treatment experience is tailored to restore comfort and function. Schedule your consultation for total ankle joint replacement to learn whether this advanced procedure is right for you.
