As a rule, arthrotic-inflammatory changes in the upper ankle joint form the starting point for progressive destruction of the joint(ankle arthrosis). In the end, mobility is often restricted to such an extent that a joint replacement becomes necessary - doctors refer to this as ankle arthroplasty. This is offered at specialized locations.
.png "Endocert Zertifizierung")
Doctors who have been awarded the seal are medical facilities that have been certified as an EndoProstheticsCenter (EPC) or as an EndoProstheticsCenter of Maximum Care (EPCmax) via endocert and have therefore demonstrated compliance with the requirements in an audit. Recertification is required every three years.
The criteria, requirements and differences between EPZ and EPZmax can be found here.
Ankle arthrosis does not occur from one day to the next. It is usually caused by decades of incorrect loading of the joint. As a result, joint wear increases and the joint surfaces are destroyed by inflammation.
If the bony surfaces that form the joint then rub directly against each other, this is associated with severe pain. In the ankle joint, this results in a considerable restriction of movement at an early stage.
The following findings in the ankle joint promote joint arthrosis:
Osteoarthritis is an irreversible destruction of the joint. Depending on the extent of the damage, however, it can be slowed down or an ankle joint prosthesis may be necessary at the end of what is usually a long ordeal.
The prosthesis is usually made of titanium with a movable core made of polyethylene. In this way, mobility of the ankle joint can generally be maintained. However, joint fusion in the ankle joint area (= ankle arthrodesis) is not an option, as this not only impairs the rolling of the foot when walking, but also the posture of the body. In the worst case scenario, this in turn causes further joint disorders and incorrect loading.
Often, pain in the ankle joint that is almost unbearable is the necessary prerequisite for the use of an ankle joint prosthesis. And indeed, the pain will quickly improve after the operation and appropriate rehabilitation. Furthermore, the joint replacement helps to maintain a normal gait pattern, which further reduces the pressure on the joint itself.
Patients with an ankle joint prosthesis are generally much more mobile than before the operation and also participate more actively in life again.
Although the artificial joint never achieves the mobility of a natural ankle joint, the degree to which movement is reduced is perfectly adequate for normal everyday walking. Surveys have also shown that up to 90% of patients with ankle prostheses are now satisfied thanks to new techniques and replacement materials.
The ankle joint endoprosthesis is surgically inserted under general or local anesthesia. The patient lies on their back during the operation. As a rule, the blood flow in the affected leg is restricted using a thigh cuff so that the operation can be performed with less blood.
However, a new ankle joint must not be used in the following cases, e.g:
It is also particularly important for those affected to know how long such joint endoprostheses will actually last. According to the Swedish arthroplasty register, the implantation time seems to be the most important factor here. Endoprostheses implanted between 1993 and 2005 lasted at least five years in 78% of patients, and up to ten years in 62%. Within the first five years, 19% of the artificial joints had to be operated on again and replaced.
Nowadays, prosthesis design in ankle joint prosthetics is much more advanced than it was 20 years ago, meaning that significantly longer durability can be expected.
The surgeon's level of experience is also of no small importance for the success of the operation. For an experienced specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, 30 operations is a threshold that should not be undercut.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
