Case analysis #8: Sean’s Ankle replacement

Sean's story

Sean is a 76 years old patient from Ireland. When he was very young, Sean got an ankle injury and over the years his ankle just got worst. Being an active person, playing rugby and squash he had to be on pain killers all the time, however, medication was affecting his liver and eventually wasn’t doing much for pain. 3 years ago Sean came to Nordorthopaedics for hip replacement surgery. His surgery was a success, he had already trusted us as a clinic, which led him to a decision to trust his ankle problems to our specialist again and he came back for his ankle replacement.

Seans's diagnosis

The patient was having ankle pain for 8 years and now was diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis of the left ankle joint, which causes a significantly limited range of ankle joint movement and impaired leg support. Sean kept complaining about his pain in the left ankle joint, which intensified while walking. Sean’s ankle movement got so minimal he could barely walk and he has been limping.

Performing the surgery
X-ray scans before & after surgery

Sean had several comorbidities that could lead to postoperative complications, so the surgeon took preventive measures pre and during surgery. This surgery is recommended for patients over 65 years old who are at a healthy weight, have a stable ankle and are diagnosed with end-stage arthrosis of the ankle joint but have no signs of significant deformities, the bone around the joint is of good quality around the joint and there are no signs of neuro-vascular limb pathology.

Dr V. Kimtys performed left ankle replacement surgery and Achilles tendon lengthening. Ankle replacement surgery is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The procedure starts by removing the damaged cartilage and reshaping bone surfaces. A smooth and firm surface will serve as a better platform for the chosen prosthesis. The next step is to place an artificial joint. After the procedure, the ankle is placed in a splint or a cast for approximately 3 weeks

While performing ankle replacement, the main aim is to reduce the pain in the ankle area and increase the range of movements of the ankle joint, improving the support and resistance function. 

FAQ about ankle replacement with our surgeon
Seans's surgery in Nordorthopaedics
13 patients' case studies