03/05/2026
Ankle arthritis can be debilitating, making even simple activities like walking or standing painful. For patients whose symptoms no longer respond to conservative treatments, total ankle replacement (TAR), also called total ankle arthroplasty, may be an effective option.
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about total ankle replacement, including who is a candidate, how long implants last, and what recovery looks like.
What Is a Total Ankle Replacement?
A total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged surfaces of the ankle joint are removed and replaced with an artificial implant. The implant typically consists of metal components attached to the tibia and talus, with a polyethylene (plastic) spacer in between to allow smooth movement.
The goal of ankle replacement is to:
Relieve pain caused by arthritis
Preserve ankle motion
Improve function and quality of life
This procedure is most commonly performed for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, whether due to wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis), prior injury (post-traumatic arthritis), or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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