If other conservative treatment options haven’t worked, your doctor may begin talking about ankle joint replacement. You might have many questions about this procedure and the associated downtime, but mostly you may wonder if you are even a candidate for the surgery. Dr. Joseph Disabato at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Charlottesville, VA, is here to help you understand.
Who Isn’t a Candidate?
While cases are individually evaluated, certain things may exclude you from eligibility. They include being overweight, obese, diabetic, or having a medical history that includes:
- bone loss or osteoporosis
- neuroarthropathy
- circulation conditions
- cardiovascular conditions
If you are ineligible for ankle joint replacement surgery, you may be offered an alternative, such as ankle fusion. Your doctor will examine you and offer all the treatment options that are suitable for you.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery in Charlottesville, VA?
Those who are considered for this type of procedure are evaluated thoroughly. The patient’s overall health and medical conditions are assessed, and there will be an examination of the ankle itself. All symptoms and concerns will be part of the evaluation. After checking out the ankle and the medical history of the patient, a doctor may offer several different options that could help ease the associated pain. When these options are depleted or the condition has become too severe, ankle joint replacement might be the best option, especially if you are:
- in good overall medical health
- have advanced arthritis in the ankle joint
- have no, or mild, ankle deformity
- have no, or mild, ankle joint misalignment
When all other options have failed, you may be eligible even with fractures, infections, tumors, or bone disease. It varies depending on the patient's specific situation and history. A consultation is the best way to find out if you are a candidate for the procedure.
Dr. Disabato at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Charlottesville, VA, can help you determine if you are a candidate for ankle joint replacement surgery. Call the office to schedule your appointment at (434) 977-8040.