Expect high-tech results for ankle replacement surgery from Precision Orthopaedic Specialties

By Patricia Nugent

Total ankle replacement surgery is one of the fastest growing joint replacement procedures in the country.

According to Dr. Mark J. Mendeszoon, podiatrist and surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, the procedure has changed drastically over the past 20 years.

Arthritis—which can cause pain, stiffness and swelling of the ankle—is a common cause for impairment.

“Thanks to high-tech materials and biomechanical engineering, we are now much better able to mimic the fine movement of the ankle with a replacement product,” he says. “When I first started practicing in the mid-1990s, the typical candidate was a 65-year-old who was fairly inactive. Today, I’m performing replacements on patients as young as their 40s who are very active and can expect great results.”

A total ankle replacement takes anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours, and the patient usually stays in the hospital overnight, although it can be done on an outpatient basis in some cases. The foot is immobilized in a splint or cast for three weeks, during which patients need to be non-weight bearing, using a scooter. At four to six weeks, they can walk with a walking boot. They should be able to resume a normal, active lifestyle by eight weeks post-surgery.

Before they reach the level of total replacement, he says the orthopedic team takes a conservative treatment approach, starting with steroid or lubricant injections, or exploring other less invasive surgeries, such as arthroscopic debridement to “clean out” the joint or ankle joint fusion to stabilize it.

Dr. Mendeszoon advises that a little prevention goes a long way in avoiding or lessening arthritis of the ankle. Here’s what he suggests:

• Get to, and stay at, a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise. “Anyone who is above their optimal BMI is putting added pounds of pressure on their ankle joint,” he cautions.
• Pay attention to your footwear. “About 90 percent of Americans are wearing the wrong size shoes, which can cause a myriad of problems. Our feet grow bigger as we grow older. Get measured by a professional. Also, ditch your high heels, flip-flops and crocs, as they change the mechanics of your foot,” he says.

Dr. Mark J. Mendeszoon is a multi-board-certified podiatrist and orthopedic surgeon. Precision Orthopaedic Specialties has locations in Auburn, Beachwood, Middlefield and the main office is in Chardon at 150 Seventh Avenue, Suite 200. Call 440-285-4999 or visit PrecisionOrthopaedic.com for more information.