When is Total Ankle Replacement Surgery Necessary?
Total ankle replacement surgery, also called ankle arthroplasty, is used to repair a severely damaged ankle joint. If you’ve sustained an ankle injury or are suffering from ankle arthritis and conservative treatment methods have been exhausted, your ankle doctor may recommend a total ankle replacement surgery.
During total ankle replacement surgery, both sides of your ankle are removed and replaced with specially designed artificial prostheses made of plastic, titanium, and cobalt chromium alloy. This allows your ankle joint to regain strength and mobility while significantly reducing your level of ankle pain.
Why choose Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists?
Our fellowship-trained foot and ankle doctors at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists completed additional training, specifically in the foot and ankle, and are recognized leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of ankle injuries and conditions. With this advanced training, our foot and ankle doctors, Dr. Padrta, Dr. Shirzad, and Dr. Kohring, and are recognized leaders in the industry and have the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your ankle injury or condition individually to your needs.
See a Specialist
To consult with one of our foot and ankle doctors, please request an appointment online, or call 888-660-2663.
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment, please use the link below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and preparation suggestions for your appointment.
“Fifteen years ago, I had a life altering, one vehicle, auto accident, in which, most of my lower extremities were broken. I was the driver, middle of the day, middle of June. After a series of multiple surgeries to both of my ankles, Dr. Padrta suggested that I would benefit from an ankle replacement for my left ankle. It has indeed brought back a lot of the function, mobility, etc. and along with a small dosage of medicine, has given me great pain relief. A huge accomplishment for me was re-learning to walk up and down the stairs, one foot at a time rather than having to two-step them. However, the biggest and most difficult "goal" for me by far, was training to "walk" Bloomsday, 9 months after my ankle replacement. I did finish the race, albeit, in last place, BUT, I did it and was so proud!! Thank you to Dr. Padrta & ALL his staff for guiding and encouraging me along the way, into the life of mobility that I now have. I am truly grateful.” — Sue Q.
“On the 26th of January 2016 I had surgery for an ankle replacement, I was scared to have this done, but the doctors and nurses at the hospital made me feel so unafraid that I relaxed and had it done. Now, most of the pain is gone, and I can walk again, even take stairs. I am so happy that I had this surgery done. They say that most of the time it takes up to a year for total recovery for this surgery, but I am a pretty good exception I guess because I have a little discomfort at times, but it will only be 2 months on the 26th of this month and I think I am doing really well. Physical therapy is a must do and stick with it program. Dr. Padrta and PA Ostlie have been great. They are tops in my book. Without them, I would not be walking right now. To my doctors and nurses, I want to thank you for the exceptional care I received at the hospital and the follow-up appointments. You were all great. Thank you for my life back.” — Janice W.
“At a chance meeting with Dr. VanderWilde at a ZAG Women's basketball game, he asked, How are MY hips doing?" I told him HIS hips were fine, but my ankle was in bad shape. He strongly suggested that I go see Dr. Shirzad. I did and I felt completely confident in Dr. Shirzad with my first visit. After evaluating and watching the deterioration of my ankle for a little over a year, I had ankle replacement surgery on September 6, 2013. As a result of that surgery, my ankle continues to get stronger and the nearly debilitating pain that I had been experiencing for several years is almost gone. My goal in September was to walk well enough this summer to go fishing along the creek and as you can see from the picture, that goal was achieved! I can't say enough good things about my experience with Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists and Dr. Shirzad. He is a wonderful doctor as well as a wonderful person. Thanks to Dr. VanderWilde for his recommendation!” — Jim G.
“I had an appointment with Dr. Shirzad for a second opinion on pain and swelling in my ankle. I was very impressed. He gave me so much more information regarding my problem than I had received before. I now have a much better understanding as to what is going on. I also feel much more comfortable about having an ankle replacement. I feel very comfortable with having Dr. Shirzad perform the surgery when I feel it is needed.” — Melinda C.