Joint wear in the upper ankle joint is much rarer than in the hip and knee joints. If there is pronounced cartilage wear in the ankle joint, affected patients usually complain of pain when walking or climbing stairs and a restriction in everyday mobility. Initially, cartilage-building injections, targeted physiotherapy, special insoles and orthoses and occasional painkillers can improve the symptoms.
If the osteoarthritis of the ankle is very advanced, there are usually only two options: Either the joint is stiffened (known as arthrodesis) or the joint is replaced with an artificial joint (ankle prosthesis).
The ankle joint prosthesis enables the patient to achieve a more harmonious gait pattern due to the fact that mobility of the ankle joint is still possible. In addition, mobilisation and full weight-bearing are possible much earlier after the operation (usually after 2 to 4 weeks). As a rule, both the prosthesis and the fusion can achieve extensive freedom from pain or a significant reduction in pain.
The design of an ankle joint prosthesis is similar in concept to the design of other joint prostheses, such as the hip or knee joint. Metal components are placed on the lower leg bone (tibia) and ankle bone (talus) and are usually fixed in place without bone cement. A medical plastic (polyethylene) is placed between these two metallic components and acts as artificial cartilage, so to speak.
For the first two weeks, the patient should only bear light weight so that the wound can heal well and the soft tissue around the joint can decongest. Afterwards, you can put your full body weight on the joint for a period of two to four weeks. A lower leg orthosis (e.g. Aircast walker) should be worn during mobilisation for the first six weeks after the operation. If desired, inpatient rehabilitation can be carried out for approx. three weeks after approx. 6 weeks once full weight-bearing has been achieved.
Figure: OSG arthrodesis with 2 screws
Figure: Ankle joint prosthesis for
Condition after ankle fracture 30 years ago
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, specialised orthopaedic surgery
“Numerous deformities and wear and tear disorders of the foot and ankle can also be treated excellently using minimally invasive techniques.”
Do you have questions about treatment and therapy for ankle problems? Our specialists will be happy to provide you with detailed information and advice in a personal consultation. Simply make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
Sehr geehrte Besucher,
Sie verlassen nun den Internetauftritt der ECOM® – Praxis für Orthopädie, Sportmedizin und Unfallchirurgie Dr. Erich Rembeck, Dr. Alexander Rauch, Prof. Dr. Hans Gollwitzer, Prof. Dr. Patrick Weber – Ärztepartnerschaft aus München.
Sie werden weitergeleitet auf den Internetauftritt von ECOM – Zentrum für Regenerative Medizin und Stammzelltherapie Dr. Erich Rembeck, Dr. Alexander Rauch, Prof. Dr. Hans Gollwitzer, Prof. Dr. Patrick Weber in Thiersee, Österreich.
Die im folgenden beschriebenen Therapien finden ausschließlich in Österreich statt und sind von der Ärztekammer Tirol, sowie der Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES) genehmigt.
Bitte bestätigen Sie mit OK. Wir bedanken uns für Ihr Interesse!
