Ankle Replacement

Please keep the wounds with any dressings applied at the time of surgery clean and dry and intact.

The dressings will be changed at the time of first review in the office, 10-14 days post surgery.

Increased redness, swelling, malodorous discharge or persistent wound ooze, feeling unwell, fever.

If these occur please contact the office straight away.

• NON weight bearing for 2 weeks after surgery
• 2-6 weeks
  • parital weight bear in CAM boot
• 6 week review
  • may be permitted with progressive partial weight bearing in CAM boot
• 3 months
  • gradually increase walking

Strong pain medication may be prescribed on discharge from hospital. In general this will not be required for >1 week. It is important to take pain relief as required to stay comfortable post surgery.

Change to simple pain medication when the pain has reduced e.g. panadol/panadeine.

No alcohol or driving whilst taking strong pain medication. Please note that narcotics such as Endone are not prescribed in the office.

• First 2 weeks
  • no exercises of foot/ankle whilst in plaster
  • may do knee ROM
• 2-6 weeks
  • gentle ankle ROM exercises
  • core strengthening, arm exercises
• 6-12 weeks
  • stationary bike, swimming (only if wound completely healed), non impact cardio

• Casts and boots and strong pain medications can interfere with your ability to drive
• You must be able to safely operate the vehicle including the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals at all times and respond appropriately in the event of an emergency
• When safely weight bearing without crutches
• Minimum 6 weeks if the driving foot was operated on

• Expected to decrease when elevated
• May have persistent swelling for up to 2 years post surgery

• 6 weeks
  • gait retraining
  • weight bear as above
  • core strengthening and upper limb program
  • non impact exercise e.g. elliptical, swimming, stationary bike
• 12 weeks
  • may progress with gait retraining
  • generalised stretching/strengthening fitness program
  • progressive increase in lower limb weight bearing exercises
  • continue stationary bike, swimming

Please discuss any travel plans prior to your surgery.

It is usually safe to travel short distances on a plane or car 1 week after surgery. You may experience increased swelling therefore try and keep the limb elevated

It is more difficult to get around the airport and plane. You will need assistance. If there is any concern regarding DVT then air travel or long car travel is not advised. In general long haul flights should be avoided for at least 3 months post surgery.

Please take usual precautions for healthy travel such as elevation of the limb, regular movements of the limb and moving around the cabin, stay well hydrated and avoiding alcohol. Additional DVT prophylaxis may be required.

• After 6 weeks
  • non impact exercise e.g. elliptical, swimming, stationary bike
• After 12 weeks
  • gradual reintroduction of sports as comfortable
  • avoid heavy axial loading exercises e.g. running

• 2 weeks
  • office for wound review
  • change to CAM boot
• 6 weeks
  • repeat X-rays and wean boot
• 12 weeks
  • repeat X-rays
• 6 months
  • repeat X-rays

Ongoing long term followup is required.