Total Ankle / Ankle Replacement Surgery for Arthritis

Edited By: Sigvard T. Hansen, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Monday, August 20, 2007

Recovering from surgery

Pain and pain management

Hospital stay

Hospital discharge

Follow-up

You will return to the clinic in two weeks for suture removal but continue to have the leg protected and maintain crutch usage. At six weeks after surgery, X-rays will be performed and a decision will be made whether to advance weight bearing or continue the crutch usage. You will put about 50 percent of your weight on the operated leg for about four weeks.

The rapidity of the progress in weight bearing will depend on what other procedures need to be done to correct your individual deformity.

When to see a doctor

Please call a physician if the patient has:

• New onset of swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness in your toes that is not relieved by elevating your foot above your heart for one hour.
• Drainage that is foul smelling, green or yellow, or drainage where there was none before.
• You have chills or a temperature above 38.5° C (101.3° F).

Surgery for arthritis of the ankle at the University of Washington

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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