Total Ankle Replacement

Realigning a broken ankle and fixing it with plates and screws so the joint heals congruent and stable.

Ankle Fracture Repair

Replacing the worn ankle joint surfaces with metal and polyethylene components to relieve arthritis pain while preserving motion, as an alternative to fusion.

Total Ankle Replacement

Reattaching or stitching together a ruptured Achilles tendon, through a small incision, so it heals at the right length and strength returns.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Camera-guided ankle surgery through small incisions for cartilage lesions, bone spurs, loose bodies, impingement and ligament stabilization.

Ankle Arthroscopy

A staged plan for heel pain: stretching, footwear and night splints first, then injections or shockwave, with surgical release reserved for the rare case that fails everything.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Correcting hammertoes, claw toes, crossover toes and painful forefoot deformities so the toes lie flat and shoes stop rubbing.

Forefoot and Toe Correction

Prevention and treatment of diabetic foot problems: ulcers, infection, Charcot joint collapse and deformity, from offloading and wound care through reconstructive surgery.

Diabetic Foot Care

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle replacement resurfaces the end of the shin bone and the top of the talus with metal components separated by a polyethylene bearing.

Unlike fusion, it preserves ankle motion, which protects the neighboring foot joints.Modern implants and instruments have made ankle replacement a durable option for the right patient.

At a glance

Setting1 night

AnesthesiaGeneral or regional

Surgery timeAbout 2 hours

Shoes again8 to 12 weeks

Performed by

Daniel Hoopes, MD, Foot and Ankle surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. HoopesFoot and Ankle

or call801-640-0000

Total Ankle Replacement

Who It Helps

Candidates have end-stage ankle arthritis, often from an old fracture, with pain that limits walking despite bracing, anti-inflammatories and injections.Good bone, good alignment and lower-impact activity goals favor replacement over fusion.Heavy laborers, patients with severe deformity or poor bone, and the very young are often better served by fusion.

Total Ankle Replacement

What to Expect

Surgery takes about two hours under general or regional anesthesia with an overnight stay. A splint, then a boot.Dr. Hoopes plans the implant from CT imaging and discusses fusion as the alternative so you understand both.Ankle replacement is planned from a local CT scan and performed with an overnight stay at a Utah Valley hospital. Dr. Hoopes operates at Utah Valley Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

Total Ankle Replacement

Recovery Timeline

No weight bearing for two to four weeks, then progressive weight bearing in a boot.Walking in a shoe at about eight to twelve weeks. Full recovery by six to twelve months.Low-impact activity, hiking, cycling and golf, is the goal. Running is not recommended.

Milestones

Weeks 1 to 4No weight bearing

Week 4+Weight bearing in boot

Week 8 to 12Walking in a shoe

Month 6 to 12Full recovery

Total Ankle Replacement

Risks and Considerations

Wound healing problems, infection, loosening, bone collapse around the implant and the need for revision over time are the main risks.Blood clots and nerve injury are uncommon.Implant survival at ten years is good and improving, but shorter than for hip or knee replacement.

Total Ankle Replacement

Your Surgeons

Dr. Hoopes performs this procedure at Utah Valley Hospital, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Orem Community Hospital, Spanish Fork Hospital, American Fork Hospital and Mountain Point Medical Center.

Dr. Hoopes, MD

Fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. Twelve years in practice.

Total Ankle Replacement

Related Procedures and Conditions

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle Fracture Repair

Ankle Arthritis

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330