Ankle replacement surgery
Ankle replacement surgery replaces damaged joint surfaces with an artificial joint to reduce pain while preserving movement in the ankle.
Ankle replacement surgery overview
Ankle replacement, also called ankle arthroplasty, may be recommended when severe arthritis causes ongoing pain and stiffness that has not improved with non-surgical treatment. During surgery, the damaged surfaces at the ends of the shin bone and ankle bone are replaced with metal components. A strong plastic insert between them allows the new joint to move smoothly. Your specialist will discuss whether ankle replacement or ankle fusion is more suitable for your health, ankle and lifestyle.
How is surgery carried out?
The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, often with an additional injection to help manage pain. Your surgeon removes the damaged joint surfaces and positions the replacement components carefully in the ankle.
You will usually stay in hospital for one or two nights. Your ankle will be protected in a cast or boot and a physiotherapist will show you how to use crutches safely.
Are there any risks?
Possible risks include:
- Infection or problems with wound healing
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
- A blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
- Fracture of a bone around the replacement
- Stiffness, ongoing pain or reduced movement
- The replacement becoming loose, wearing out or moving
- The need for further surgery in the future
Your specialist will discuss the benefits and risks with you before surgery.
Recovery from ankle replacement surgery
Protecting the new joint
Your ankle will be protected in a cast. Keep your foot raised as much as possible and follow your specialist’s advice about weight-bearing.
Beginning movement
Your wound will be checked and you may move into a boot. You may begin gentle ankle exercises and gradually increase activity as advised.
Improving strength and walking
Walking and everyday function will improve over time. Physiotherapy will help you build strength and movement, with progress continuing for up to a year.
Working with foot and ankle professionals and teams
Our foot and ankle specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their feet and ankles. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Foot and Ankle treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Ankle replacement surgery FAQs
You must be out of your cast or boot and able to control the vehicle safely, including performing an emergency stop. Ask your specialist when you can drive and check with your insurer first.
Desk-based work may be possible after four to six weeks if you can keep your foot raised and travel safely. If your work is physically demanding, you may need around three months or longer.
Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming and golf are generally more suitable after ankle replacement. High-impact sports involving running or jumping may not be recommended because they can place additional strain on the joint.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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