Total Joint Replacement

Thanks to advances in surgical tools and techniques, surgeons perform total joint replacement on many joints, including the ankle. At Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Benjamin Clair is a skilled and experienced surgeon who performs total joint replacement. Call today or schedule a consultation online to learn more about total joint replacement.

What does total joint replacement mean?

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which surgeons remove damaged parts of your joint and replace them with prosthetic devices. Total joint replacement has made major advances over the years and improves the structure and function of many joints, including the ankle. 

Dr. Clair is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who has advanced training in the latest in total joint replacement for the ankle. 

I have ankle pain. When should I consider total joint replacement?

Total joint replacement is one of the treatment options for people who have ankle pain from arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. 

Not everyone with arthritis needs total joint replacement, but when medical interventions no longer ease your pain, Dr. Clair may talk to you about your surgical options. One such option may be total joint replacement. 

What happens during total joint replacement?

Dr. Clair customizes your total joint replacement surgery plan and reviews the details with you at your presurgical consultation. Total joint replacement of the ankle is a major procedure, and Dr. Clair gives you general anesthesia so you stay asleep during surgery.

For the procedure, Dr. Clair makes an incision at your ankle and removes the damaged cartilage from the shinbone and talus bone (bones that make up the ankle joint). He then places prosthetic devices on the bones, creating the new joint surface.

Dr. Clair closes the incisions and sends you to the recovery area for monitoring. You may stay in the hospital for a few days during your initial recovery or go home the same day.

What can I expect during recovery from total joint replacement?

You can expect pain and limited mobility following total joint replacement. Dr. Clair prescribes pain medication to keep you comfortable. He also gives you exercises to do at home and has you start physical therapy right away.

You may need to limit weight-bearing activities on your ankle for several weeks following total joint replacement. Though recovery time varies, it can take several months until you can resume most of your usual activities.

Call Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center today or schedule your total joint replacement consultation online.