In 2020, PD Dr. Assal, Prof. Crevoisier (CHUV), and their team implanted their 400th total ankle prosthesis. This operation delivers convincing results and allows patients to regain their mobility. Drs. Assal and Crevoisier have combined their expertise and have been performing total ankle prosthesis surgeries together for over 15 years.
When is a total ankle replacement (TAR) performed?
The implantation of a total ankle prosthesis is generally performed as a result of severe osteoarthritis (loss of cartilage) for which conservative treatments have not been effective. The prosthesis replaces the diseased joint to restore its mobility and allows the patient to regain their range of motion while reducing pain.
What results can be expected after a total ankle replacement (TAR)?
Ankle replacement with a prosthesis was long considered a complicated procedure that often resulted in difficulties. Today, improvements in prosthesis components and surgical techniques make it possible to achieve good, even excellent, success rates—provided that the indication for the operation is appropriate and the procedure is technically successful.
The new generation of prostheses allows us to achieve a success rate of over 95% for our procedures.
This surgical procedure should therefore only be performed by a team of specialized surgeons who have acquired expertise in this field. This ensures the best chances of success and allows the patient to regain their freedom of movement and to walk comfortably, without pain.
What is the recovery process after such a procedure?
The advantage of such a procedure is that the patient can put weight on the foot immediately after the operation.
Some precautions still need to be taken into consideration. A plaster splint must be worn for 40 days after the surgery, and it is recommended to avoid any unnecessary movement in order to allow the operated limb to rest.
Resuming sports activities can be considered after a recovery period of three months.
