Arthritic Ankle Surgery for Seniors

I’m 62 years old and still somewhat active. I don’t run marathons, but I enjoy golfing and dancing now and then. The problem is that I have arthritis in my ankle. Am I too old to consider surgery for this?

Ankle pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility from arthritis can be quite disabling. Conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, can often help improve joint function. If you haven’t tried a rehabilitation program yet, that could be your first step toward relief.

However, if you’ve been through at least six months of rehab and still experience pain and limited function, surgery might be the next option. The most common surgery for severe ankle arthritis is ankle fusion. This procedure eliminates the pain by fusing the bones in the joint, which is already restricted in motion due to the arthritis.

If maintaining some level of joint mobility is important to you, a total ankle replacement (TAR) could be a good alternative. TAR is a relatively newer procedure, and implant designs continue to improve.

While most patients receiving TAR tend to be younger than 65, age isn’t the only factor considered. Many patients in your age range have benefited from the surgery. An orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your specific case, examining factors like joint damage and your activity level, to determine the best treatment plan.

Reference:S. L. Haddad, MD, et al. Intermediate and Long-Term Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Ankle Arthrodesis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. September 2007. Vol. 89-A. No. 9. Pp. 1899-1905.