Ankle surgery is considered an appropriate treatment for severe arthritis. Ankle injuries or sprains are usually initially treated conservatively. In cases of fractures, a plaster cast is usually applied and expected to heal after a while. However, since some fractures are very severe and crushes are involved, surgery is seen as a saving option. Therefore, this surgical method is applied according to the level of damage or deformation in the ankle and the age and lifestyle of the person. Ankle surgery aims to restore the function of the bones by fusing them or replacing them with an artificial joint.

Why Is Ankle Surgery Performed?

25 percent of the bones in the body are found in the feet. These bones, which are connected to 33 joints in each foot, are damaged as a result of some traumas. There are also important nerve, tendon, muscle, ligament, and vascular structures in the feet, which are not only connected to bones and joints. As a result of damage to any of these structures, deformation, and damage occur in the ankle.

In general, ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries. Even if it is not the result of trauma, in some cases, deformities or painful calcifications are observed in the ankle area. The ankle, in particular, is one of the most commonly injured areas in sports. As a result, when conservative methods fail to treat the ankle for any reason, the surgical method is used. The following are some of the reasons for ankle surgery:

• Foot and ankle fractures
• Compression of soft tissue after an ankle sprain
• Injury to the ankle
• Cartilage injuries
• Low foot deformity
• Achilles tendon injury
• Tendinitis
• Ankle joint arthritis
• Ankle lateral ligament ruptures

Surgery is an appropriate solution for serious ankle injuries. Especially if this damage is delayed, surgery may be inevitable. Thanks to ankle surgical interventions performed by experts in the field, problems in the ankle are eliminated.

Types Of Ankle Surgery

Ankle surgery consists of many different procedures. These include ankle fusion, ankle replacement, ankle arthroscopy, lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, ankle fracture surgery, and tendon surgery. Important information about the many different procedures performed in ankle surgery is given below:

Ankle fusion: The ankle fusion procedure involves the surgeon roughening the damaged bone ends and fixing them with metal plates and screws. This procedure aims to fuse the damaged bones into a single bone. This procedure also relieves ankle pain. Today, the foot fusion procedure is most commonly performed on young people. While it provides a more durable ankle, it requires the restriction of movement during the healing process.

• Ankle replacement: This procedure uses an artificial joint to restore the function of the ankle. The surgeon removes the ends of the damaged bones and replaces them with a plastic or metal joint. Thanks to this procedure, the risk of developing arthritisis very low. The artificial joint allows the ankle to move normally. This procedure is suitable for people over the age of 60 who generally move less. Therefore, a foot prosthesis would not be a suitable surgical procedure for people with an active lifestyle.
• Ankle arthroscopy: This procedure is used for arthritis and ankle injuries. Bone or cartilage is removed from the ankle through several small incisions.
• Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction: This procedure for chronic ankle instability or foot deformities is also known as the Brostrom procedure. A small incision is made on the outside of the ankle to compress loose and weakened ligaments.
• Ankle fracture surgery: This procedure is performed for ankle fractures. The surgery stabilizes the fractures and allows the bone to heal. Equipment that helps with this procedure includes screws, metal plates, and small metal However, different methods may be used depending on the type of fracture.
• Tendon surgery: Repairing a diseased tendon or a tear is part of a tendon surgery procedure. This procedure can also include achilles repair or tendon transfer.

Ankle Surgery Process

Ankle surgery can be performed under general or regional anesthesia. The ankle joint is accessed through small incisions. It is placed in certain places to prevent damage to the chambers, tendons, and nerves around the ankle. Afterward, an arthroscope is placed in the ankle area, where the surgical intervention will be performed. In this way, the ankle area is visible with the images reflected on the monitor. At the end of the procedure, the instruments and arthroscope are removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures. Depending on the procedure, the ankle may be placed in a plaster cast or wrapped in a soft bandage or splint.

After this operation, some people continue their normal lives for a few days, while others wait for a few months. Therefore, the recovery period is determined by the procedure performed. The patient will be informed if rehabilitation is necessary after the recovery period. In general, the recovery period for ankle surgery is between 4-6 weeks.

Risks Of Ankle Surgery

During the healing process after ankle surgery, some complications, such as pain and swelling, may occur. One of the complications seen at the same time is a feeling of numbness in the foot. This feeling, however, should not be taken seriously because it will pass. Infection, bleeding, and blood clots can also be seen in this surgical intervention method, in which nerves and blood vessels can also be injured. Since this surgical method is applied to the ankle, it can be more complex and challenging than in other places. However, the risks are minimized as much as possible since it is performed by experienced surgeons who are experts in their field.

 Results Of Ankle Surgery

Ankle surgery takes between 30 minutes and an hour. As a result of the surgery, it is possible to feel pain and swelling for a while. Stitch marks are also visible. The patient is eligible for same-day discharge. The specialist surgeon will prescribe some painkillers to relieve the pain. To reduce the swelling in the ankle, it is recommended to place the leg on a pillow or stool while lying down or sitting for the first few weeks. Sports, exercise, and weight bearing will not be possible for the patient for several months. Although ankle surgery is a complex and challenging process, it is an effective treatment method.

As a result, ankle surgery is a treatment technique that gives effective results in cases of fractures or sprains. This surgery, which takes place in a short time, is performed under general or regional anesthesia. Different surgical procedures are applied depending on the type of fracture, injury, or sprain. Therefore, after the surgery, the damaged ankle regains its function and becomes healthy.