Why is ankle surgery required?
Ankle surgery may be required to treat a fractured or broken bone, tendonitis, arthritis. The surgery is recommended only when the issue can not be resolved with medications and therapy and thus requires assistance for correcting it.
The ankle surgery is recommended to patients who have suffered a fracture and the bones in their ankle are unstable and further need support to heal. In case of milder fractures, where the ankle is stable and the broken bone is not out of its place, then the situation of surgery may not even rise.
Depending on the injuries incurred or medical conditions affecting the ankles, surgery may be recommended. Ankle problems that primarily require surgery to be done have been listed below-
Fractured ankle.
Chronic synovitis/tendonitis of the ankle.
Chronic ankle instability from multiple sprains or other causes.
Arthritis that causes pain and immobility.
Deformity of the ankle.
If the situation demands, the patient should go through the surgery as early as possible to get the best possible results. When it comes to the pricing of the surgery, the ankle surgery cost in India is very affordable.
Diagnosis of Ankle Surgery-
If the ankle recurs fracture or is in a bad position, the surgery becomes the need of the hour. In case of severity, the bones of the ankle may protrude through the skin. Situations like this are called ankle fractures and require immediate surgery. Varying from case to case, the ankle surgery cost in India stands approximately at USD 6500.
However, ankle surgery is not required if the ankle is in a stable position despite the fracture. Also, ankle surgery may become too risky when the patients have a severe medical condition.
What are the different types of ankle surgery?
Depending upon the patient’s requirement, the surgeries may range from minimal arthroscopic surgeries to major ankle replacement surgeries. For undergoing ankle surgeries, the patient is administered general or local anesthesia. Also, depending upon the surgery, the recovery time for the patient varies.
The details of the various types of ankle surgery have been provided below-
Tendon surgery- This surgery is done to treat the synovitis or chronic tendonitis of the ankle. The procedure of this surgery is simple and complex at the same time. For example, the procedure can be as simple as taking out a damaged tendon tissue or can be complex as treating the problem of Achilles reconstruction or repair. In the case of tendon replacement, this surgery is undertaken.
Ankle arthroscopy: This surgery is recommended for patients who have arthritis or have had ankle injuries. This surgery is categorized as minimally invasive surgery, which involves small incisions done near the ankle area. In this surgery, the surgeons use special instruments to remove cartilage or bone from the ankle. When compared to the global prices, the ankle arthroscopy cost in India is extremely pocket-friendly.
Ankle fracture surgery- In case a patient has had fractured bones in the ankle, then the ankle fracture surgery is done to stabilize the bone and assist the broken bone heal. In this surgery, metal plates, screws, and small metal wires are used to hold the broken bone in the desired place.
Ankle replacement- In this, the surgeon replaces the damaged ankle joint with a metal or plastic replacement. Generally, in most cases, the surgeons attached the replacement joints with the existing bone using a very special surgical glue. Screws can also be used by the surgeon to stabilize the ankle replacement.
Ankle fusion- This surgery is done to treat arthritis; in this surgical procedure, the damaged tissues are removed, and the surfaces of the ankle joint that is affected by arthritis are treated. In this procedure, the surgeon fuses or joins the ankle bone permanently with the help of metal plates and screws.
Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction surgery- This procedure is also referred to as the “Brostrom procedure.” In this surgical method, the surgeon makes small cuts on the outside area of the ankle then proceeds further to tighten the weakened or loose ligaments that cause the inability in the ankle. Thus, this procedure is done to treat chronic ankle instability or foot deformities.
Thus, depending upon the requirement and the suggestion of the surgeon, ankle surgery is chosen. Whatever may be the cause, the ankle surgery cost in India is the most affordable compared to the global standards.
What are the risks associated with ankle surgery?
While undergoing ankle surgery helps resolve any further medical complications, it also relieves the patient from getting relief from the pain caused by arthritis. Undergoing surgery also allows the patient help in their ability to walk.
However, there are certain risks associated with ankle surgery, the list of which has been provided below-
Damage to nerves or blood vessels in the ankle.
Infection caused because of the surgery.
Bleeding and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
Reactions to anesthesia can also be caused.
Joint stiffness or weakness.
Recovery trajectory of ankle surgery-
After the completion of the ankle surgery, the patients regain their ability to move their ankle. However, immediately after the surgery, the ankle is immobilized (i.e., the ankle is not allowed to move). This is mainly done to enable the ankle to time to heal and recover. A cast or protective boot is used to cover the ankle to restrain any movement. The cast or the boot is removed only after the wounds post-surgery is completely healed. However, the cast over the ankle can be removed to allow wound check, washing, and icing.
People looking for ankle arthroscopy will be relieved to know that the ankle arthroscopy cost in India is less when compared to global standards. Depending upon the surgery, the recovery time of the patient is determined. Only after complete healing, the patient is allowed to wean out of the cast or the boot. Some patients can also require physical therapy to recover post their ankle surgery completely. Some patients may also require a year to regain their mobility completely.
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