Ankle Surgery

Understanding the Ankle Structure

The ankle is a complex structure made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It plays a crucial role in movement and balance, bearing the weight of the body. The ankle joint is where the tibia (shinbone), fibula (smaller bone next to the shinbone), and talus (ankle bone) meet.

When Does Surgery Become Necessary

Ankle surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate pain or restore function following conditions like severe ankle arthritis, fractures, or significant tendon injuries. These conditions can limit mobility, cause chronic pain, and negatively impact quality of life.

Overview of the Surgical Procedure

Ankle surgery involves various techniques, depending on the specific condition. It may include arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), tendon repair, or even ankle replacement. The primary objective is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Surgical Procedures Explained

• Ankle Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to diagnose and treat ankle conditions.
• Achilles Tendon Repair: Surgery to mend a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon.
• Ankle Fusion Surgery: A procedure to fuse the bones of the ankle into one piece, often used for severe arthritis.

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The cost of Ankle Surgery may be covered by private health insurance plans, depending on the specifics of the policy. Check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered.

Related Concerns

Ankle conditions requiring surgery, such as severe arthritis or fractures, can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and instability. If left untreated, these issues can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Causes of the Issues

These conditions can result from various factors, including wear and tear, sports injuries, accidents, or certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment options range from conservative methods like physiotherapy and medication to surgical interventions. The choice depends on the severity of the condition, patient's overall health, and their personal preferences.

Service Overview

Ankle surgeries like arthroscopy, Achilles tendon repair, and ankle fusion surgery offer effective solutions to these issues. They aim to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ankle Surgery

1. Anaesthesia is administered.
2. The surgeon makes an incision in the ankle area.
3. The specific procedure (arthroscopy, tendon repair, or fusion) is performed.
4. The incision is closed with stitches.
5. The ankle is immobilised with a cast or brace for healing. Conditions Warranting Ankle Surgery Ankle surgery may be recommended for conditions such as severe ankle arthritis, fractures, tendon injuries, or chronic instability. Lifestyle considerations, such as occupation, activity level, and overall health, can also influence the decision to undergo surgery. ### Benefits of Ankle Surgery Potential benefits of ankle surgery include pain relief, improved mobility, increased stability, and a better quality of life. ### Risks of Ankle Surgery Potential risks of ankle surgery include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, and complications related to anaesthesia. ### Preparation for Surgery Preoperative preparations may include lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Patients may also need to stop certain medications before surgery. ### Pre-surgery Procedures and Checks At the hospital, pre-surgery procedures may include blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination. The surgical team will review the patient's medical history and discuss the procedure in detail. ### Postoperative Care Immediate post-surgery care includes pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications. Home care instructions and follow-up appointments will be provided to ensure proper healing. ### Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery timelines vary depending on the specific procedure. Physical therapy and exercises may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and function. ### Alternatives to Surgery Non-surgical treatment options include pain management, physiotherapy, orthotics, and activity modification. ### References
6. NHS UK. (2021). Ankle pain. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-pain/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
7. Arthritis Research UK. (2021). Ankle pain. [online] Available at: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/ankle-pain/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
8. NHS UK. (2021). Ankle replacement. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-replacement/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
9. NHS UK. (2021). Arthroscopy. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthroscopy/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
10. NHS UK. (2021). Achilles tendon rupture. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
11. NHS UK. (2021). Ankle fusion. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-fusion/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
12. Arthritis Research UK. (2021). Ankle pain. [online] Available at: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/ankle-pain/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
13. NHS UK. (2021). Ankle pain. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-pain/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
14. NHS UK. (2021). Ankle pain. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-pain/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
15. NHS UK. (2021). Ankle replacement. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-replacement/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
16. NHS UK. (2021). Ankle fusion. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-fusion/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].

• NHS UK. (2021). Ankle pain. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-pain/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023]
• Arthritis Research UK. (2021). Ankle pain. Available at: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/ankle-pain/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023]
• NHS UK. (2021). Ankle replacement. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-replacement/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023]
• NHS UK. (2021). Arthroscopy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthroscopy/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023]
• NHS UK. (2021). Achilles tendon rupture. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023]
• NHS UK. (2021). Ankle fusion. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankle-fusion/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023]