Overview

Your Ankle

The ankle joint is located at the junction of the leg and the foot. It is made up of three bones: the tibia, the fibula and the talus. The ankle joint allows the foot to dorsiflex (point the foot up) and plantarflex (point the foot down).

Ligaments (strong fibrous bands of tissue that connect two bones) are located on each side of the ankle joint to create stability in the joint. Tendons (strong fibrous structures that connect muscle to bone) are located throughout the foot to allow for motion in the other parts of the foot such as the movement of the toes. Cartilage is the specialized joint tissue that covers bones and allows the bones to move in relationship to each other with minimal friction. Loss of the cartilage can decrease joint function and produce pain, stiffness, swelling and warmth.

Overview

Ankle Replacement

One solution for ankle arthritis may be an Ankle Replacement. The Salto Talaris Total Ankle Prosthesis is modeled after the human anatomy and provides the ability to reproduce the natural movement of the ankle with a design that replicates the natural ankle.
Extensive work has been done to understand the normal anatomy of the ankle to reproduce it

What Does it Involve?

Ankle replacement surgery is done through a succession of carefully coordinated steps:

  • The surgeon makes an incision through the skin on the front of the ankle and top of the ankle.
  • Next, the surgeon will make resurfacing bone cuts on the tibia and talus to remove the remaining worn off cartilage and make room for the implant.
  • Once the tibia and talus are prepared, the final implants are placed in the joint and the ankle replacement is complete.
  • Additional procedures may be performed at the same time as necessary. The doctor then closes the incision and places the foot in a splint.

Pre/Post Surgery