Why is it done?

For severe pain in the ankle usually secondary to osteo-arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. 

Investigations

An x-ray of the ankle confirms the degree of degenerative arthritis within the ankle. 
Very occasionally an additional CT scan of the ankle may be required for additional pre-operative information. 

Operative treatment

Surgery is performed as an inpatient (5-7 days) under general anaesthesia or under spinal anaesthesia. An incision is made down the front of the ankle, the ankle joint is then removed and replaced with a metal and plastic joint. After surgery the skin is sutured and a bulky dressing is applied. Patients are then placed into a post operative plaster or boot. Patients are allowed to weight bear as tolerated after surgery with the protection of crutches.