If a disease severely damages your ankle or you sustain a serious injury to this joint, you could require ankle joint replacement surgery. At Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, serving Charlottesville, VA, and the nearby region, Dr. Joseph Disabato offers this procedure and would like to answer some of the frequently asked questions heard from patients.
When Is Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery Necessary?
Ideally, our practitioner tries to avoid surgery at all costs with patients. That's why this procedure is reserved for patients who have severe joint degeneration or suffered from an injury that significantly damaged the joint.
We'll assess the severity of the damage by asking you about your pain level and having you demonstrate your range of motion. We'll also perform imaging to get a look at the inside of the joint.
Is Everyone a Candidate for This Procedure?
Not everyone is a candidate for this procedure even if their joint problem is severely affecting their lives. For instance, those with certain immune system deficiencies may not qualify due to their increased risk of infection.
If you have neuropathy or a joint deformity, this surgery might not be right for you.
Prior to scheduling a surgical procedure, our practitioner in Charlottesville, VA, will thoroughly evaluate your condition and medical history. Based on the results, our physician will determine the appropriate course of action for you.
Is This an In-Patient or Out-Patient Procedure?
This is an in-patient procedure. During the initial 24 to 48 hours after your surgery, we want to monitor you and intervene if any complications arise. Therefore, you'll need to stay at the hospital for at least one to two days after a total ankle joint replacement.
How Long Until I Can Resume My Normal Daily Activities?
We usually advise you based on your situation, though certain aspects of your recovery are fairly static. As a general rule, our practitioner will fit you for a splint or boot to wear for the first six weeks.
It may take up to two months before you can resume putting all your weight on the ankle. By between six and 12 months, you can usually resume most of your usual activities, though you may need to modify them a bit to accommodate.
Our practitioner will let you know that you should resume certain activities based on how your ankle is feeling. For instance, if going for walks is causing you pain, you may need to hold off on that activity.
Dr. Disabato of Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, serving Charlottesville, VA, and the surrounding area, can provide ankle joint replacement surgery. Call for more information today at (434) 977-8040 for the office in Charlottesville, VA, and (540) 825-1350 for the office in Culpeper, VA.