Foot and ankle problems can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. If you’ve undergone foot or ankle surgery in the past and are still experiencing pain, it’s essential to seek the help of a qualified specialist. We understand that foot and ankle problems can be challenging, and we’re here to help you find relief and get back to your daily activities.
Let’s learn more about this surgery and where you can go for outstanding ankle revision surgery in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Surgery for Ankle Joint Disease
For years, replacing dysfunctional ankles with artificial joints has been an option.
Surgery is the preferred treatment option for those with end-stage inflammation of ankle joints. They might have to undergo a procedure called total ankle replacement (TAR), also known as total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), or ankle fusion surgery, also called ankle arthrodesis.
Improvements in the field have led to better ankle prosthetics and better patient outcomes. As such, the number of those undergoing these procedures has rapidly increased in the USA since 1998. Although more people have ankle joint disease, post-surgery death rates have remained stable. This supports the idea that treatment has become safer and more efficient in the long run.
However, a TAA can fail due to various reasons, such as:
- Aseptic loosening: When the replacement joint or implant moves or gets loose without any infection involved
- Lysis: The breakdown of bone around the implant
- Malalignment: When the implant is not in the right position, which can cause pain and discomfort
- Infection: When bacteria or other germs get into the joint and cause problems
Any of these may lead to unbearable pain or other complications, prompting further operations to address the “failure.”
Repairing the Deformities
Over time, you might find it hard to do your daily activities because the joint could feel stiff or unstable. Another surgery will allow for increased movement and an improved situation. Addressing any deformities in the ankle and foot is a must before it worsens.
Ankle revision surgery is a surgical procedure that repairs and repositions the tendons, ligaments, and bones within the foot and ankle. It is used to correct failed total ankle replacement, as well as to treat infection, fracture, or dislocation in the affected area, through the following:
- Removal of misaligned or damaged joints
- Replacement of worn-out ankle joints with metal and plastic artificial joints
In some cases, minimally invasive techniques are used for revision.
Despite the potential risks and complications associated with this type of operation, most patients find that their overall quality of life is significantly improved after the procedure. For instance, patients benefit from relieved swelling and pain caused by arthritis. They are also able to preserve their joint mobility.
Such enhancements enable individuals to perform daily tasks such as walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. Furthermore, the procedure can help safeguard the other joints in the foot, preventing those from inflaming.
Challenges and Second Opinion
The risk of failure is higher when the operation is performed because of an infection. This highlights the difficulty in treating infections related to prosthetic joints.
Moreover, dealing with complications after total ankle arthroplasty can be challenging, with limited viable treatment options. However, correcting larger deformities and bone loss with newer techniques and components is still possible.
That’s why it’s important to consider a second opinion from a doctor. If you’ve consulted a doctor but still don’t have a clear diagnosis, it’s worth getting a second opinion. And if surgery is on the table, it’s a big decision that requires careful consideration. That’s where a second opinion helps you make the best decision for your health.
But it’s not just about surgery. Sometimes, even if you’ve already been treated for a foot or ankle problem, the pain just won’t go away. In those cases, a fresh perspective from a new foot and ankle surgeon can make all the difference.
Ankle Revision Surgery in Warwick, Rhode Island
Ankle surgery is complex, so encountering complications after ward is not surprising. The Foot & Ankle Institute of New England can provide that fresh perspective and help you find the relief you’re looking for. We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care for patients suffering from foot and ankle issues.
Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons specialize in revision surgery, a procedure performed to correct problems that persist after a previous surgery. Some reasons you may need revision surgery include infections, improper post-operative care, site injuries, and implant problems.
To know more about our services or schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons, call us today at (401) 738-7750 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We have offices located in Warwick and Middletown, Rhode Island, and Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and our team is ready to help you achieve optimal foot and ankle health.
