Ankle Replacement in Albania

Approximately 4 days

General Anesthesia or Spinal Anesthesia

- A cast will hold the patient’s ankle after the surgery. - For a day or two, a drainage tube will be placed in the ankle joint to drain blood. - Physical therapy may be required to help the patient learn exercises and move the ankle. - The patient’s foot may be elevated while resting or sleeping to prevent excess swelling. - The patient may start putting weight on the leg six weeks after the surgery. - The patient can start driving eight weeks after the surgery. - The surgeon will check the ankle within five to seven days after the surgery. - The stitches are removed in 10 to 14 days. - Pain medication may be prescribed to reduce the pain.

- The patient should continue keeping the ankle raised above the level of the heart for many days. Pillows may be used to support the ankle while sleeping or sitting. - The patient will need to use crutches or a walker to move around for 10 to 12 weeks after the surgery. While using these, the patient should not put weight on the ankle. - X-rays should be taken many times after the surgery to check the healing. - The patient should begin physical therapy to ease pain, strengthen muscles and control swelling. Other exercises will help the patient’s mobility. The therapist will also help the patient practice using crutches.