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Total Ankle Replacement

Understanding Ankle Pain, Arthritis, and Total Ankle Replacement

Chronic ankle pain can negatively impact your mobility and quality of life. When conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, or bracing no longer provide relief, surgical options such as Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) may be the right path forward to restore function and reduce pain.

What Causes Ankle Pain and Arthritis?

Ankle arthritis is the result of cartilage loss, which normally cushions the joint. Unlike hip or knee arthritis, which is often age-related, ankle arthritis is most commonly post-traumatic, occurring years after a severe fracture, dislocation, or repeated ankle sprains.

Common Symptoms:

  • Persistent pain during or after activity.
  • Stiffness, grinding and or popping in the joint, especially in the morning or after resting.
  • Swelling around the ankle.
  • A feeling of "instability" or the ankle giving way.

Surgical Treatment: Total Ankle Replacement

Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) is a procedure where the damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with prosthetic components. The primary goal is to relieve ankle pain while preserving the natural motion of the ankle joint. This is a major advantage over ankle fusion, which eliminates motion to stop pain but can lead to a limp or arthritis in surrounding joints.

Advanced Technology: The APEX 3D™ Total Ankle System

For patients requiring replacement, we utilize the APEX 3D™ Total Ankle Replacement system. This system is designed to mimic the natural anatomy of the ankle more closely than traditional implants.

Key Benefits of APEX 3D™ Technology:

Feature Patient Benefit
Motion Preservation Maintains a more natural walking gait compared to fusion.
3D Printed Surface Promotes better biological fixation (bone ingrowth) for longevity.
Anatomic Contour Reduces the risk of "impingement" or catching during movement.

Is TAR Right for You?

Total Ankle Replacement is typically recommended for patients with end-stage arthritis who wish to remain active and maintain joint flexibility. A thorough evaluation and discussion is the first step in determining if you are a candidate for the APEX 3D™ system.

Schedule an appointment with Dr Sandhu today to discuss your options!

2120 N. MacArthur Blvd
Irving, TX 75061
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