Ankle replacement Perth | Dr Gerard Hardisty
Ankle replacement surgery: when is it considered for ankle arthritis?
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Private Hospital
Suite 5, Ground Floor
60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
Severe ankle arthritis can make walking painful and leave the joint stiff or swollen. At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, Dr Gerard Hardisty assesses ankle arthritis and talks you through the treatment options available, including ankle replacement when it is appropriate.
Ankle pain Perth
Why does ankle arthritis hurt so much?
Your ankle carries your body weight every time you stand or take a step. It also helps you balance, absorb impact and adjust when the ground is uneven.
When the smooth cartilage inside the ankle joint wears down, movement can become painful.
You may notice:
- Pain when walking or standing
- Stiffness, especially after resting
- Swelling around the ankle
- Reduced movement
- Pain that limits how far you can walk
- Difficulty staying active because of the joint
For some people, ankle arthritis develops gradually. For others, it can appear years after a fracture or dislocation.
→ Learn more about ankle arthritis
What can cause ankle arthritis?
Different types of arthritis can affect the ankle.
These include:
- Osteoarthritis: the cartilage inside the joint gradually wears down over time.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: arthritis that develops after an ankle injury, sometimes many years later.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: an inflammatory condition that can damage the ankle joint.
- Other inflammatory arthritis: conditions that cause ongoing inflammation inside the joint.
The first step is working out what is causing your ankle pain and how much the joint has been affected.
Ankle replacement Perth
When is ankle replacement considered?
Ankle replacement is generally considered for end-stage ankle arthritis, when the joint is badly damaged and pain is no longer being managed well enough with non-surgical treatment.
Before surgery is considered, treatment may include things like:
- Physiotherapy
- Changing activities that aggravate the ankle
- Pain medication
- An ankle brace or supportive footwear
- Injections in selected cases
“If these options are no longer giving you enough relief and ankle pain is significantly affecting daily life, it may be time to discuss surgery.”
Not everyone with ankle arthritis is suited to ankle replacement. Your age, activity level, bone quality, ankle alignment and any deformity around the foot and ankle all need to be considered.
What does ankle replacement surgery involve?
Ankle replacement is also called total ankle arthroplasty. The aim is to remove the badly damaged joint surfaces and replace them with artificial components while keeping movement at the ankle.
Before surgery, a CT scan is used to create a 3D model of your ankle. From this, patient-specific guides can be made to help plan the position and fit of the implant.
During surgery:
- The damaged joint surfaces are removed.
- Metal components are placed on the tibia and talus, the two main bones forming the ankle joint.
- A strong polyethylene spacer is placed between them.
- The ankle is checked for movement and balance.
- The incision is closed and the ankle is placed into a supportive boot.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia.
Ankle replacement or ankle fusion?
Both ankle replacement and ankle fusion are used for severe ankle arthritis, but they work differently.
“Ankle fusion joins the bones of the joint together so the painful movement stops. This can reduce pain, but the fused joint no longer moves normally. Ankle replacement removes the damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with an artificial joint, with the aim of preserving movement at the ankle.”
Which option is more appropriate depends on the condition of your ankle, your alignment, activity level and overall circumstances.
Recovery after ankle replacement surgery
What is recovery like after ankle replacement?
Ankle replacement is a significant operation, so recovery takes time.
Dr Hardisty’s usual recovery pathway includes:
- Hospital stay: around 2 to 3 nights
- First 2 weeks: the ankle is elevated and you remain non-weight-bearing with crutches
- Weeks 2 to 6: weight-bearing is gradually increased
- Around 6 weeks: walking in a supportive boot is usually possible
- By around 3 months: many people are able to fully bear weight without crutches
- Around 6 months: return to work and broader activity may be possible, depending on recovery
Swelling can continue for several months and sometimes up to 6 to 12 months.
Recovery varies from person to person, so your progress is guided by how the ankle is healing rather than by dates alone.
What are the risks of ankle replacement surgery?
Ankle replacement is a major operation and, like all surgery, has potential risks.
These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots such as DVT or pulmonary embolism
- Problems related to anaesthesia
- Wound healing problems
- Nerve irritation or damage
- Ongoing swelling
- Stiffness
- Fracture
- Persistent pain
- Loosening or wear of the implant
- A need for further surgery
Dr Hardisty will explain the risks that apply to your situation before you decide whether surgery is right for you.
How long does an ankle replacement last?
Ankle replacements are designed to last for many years, but they can wear over time.
Dr Hardisty advises that many ankle replacements last around 10 to 15 years. How long a replacement lasts can vary depending on things like your activity level and how the implant and surrounding bone hold up over time.
If the replacement eventually wears or loosens, revision surgery may sometimes be an option.
Dr Gerard Hardisty | Foot and ankle surgeon Perth
Final thoughts
Living with severe ankle arthritis can gradually change the way you walk, work and stay active.
The right treatment depends on how much the joint is damaged, how much pain you are experiencing and what you want to be able to do.
At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, Dr Gerard Hardisty treats foot and ankle conditions including ankle arthritis and ankle replacement surgery.
If ankle pain is becoming harder to manage despite other treatments, a consultation can help you understand whether ankle replacement, ankle fusion or another treatment option may be appropriate.
