A total of 400 total ankle replacements have been performed by our surgeons.

In 2020, PD Dr. Assal, Prof. Crevoisier (CHUV) and their team implanted their 400th total ankle prosthesis. This operation shows promising results and allows patients to regain mobility. Dr. Assal and Prof. Crevoisier have combined their expertise and have been operating together on total ankle prosthesesfor more than 15 years.

When is a total ankle prosthesis (TAP) performed?

Total ankleprosthesisis usually performed following severe osteoarthritis (loss of cartilage) for which conservative treatments have not been successful. The prosthesis replaces the diseased joint in order to restore mobility and allow the patient to regain his or her ability to move by reducing pain.

What results can be expected after a TAP?

Ankle replacement with a prosthesis has long been a complicated procedure that regularly resulted in difficulties. Improvements in the components of the prosthesis and surgical techniques now make it possible to obtain a good to excellent success rate when the fixed installation is well placed and the procedure is technically successful.

The new generation of prostheses allows us to obtain an operation success rate of over 95%.

This surgical procedure should therefore only be performed by a team of specialized surgeons who have acquired expertise in the field. This is in order to guarantee the best chances of success and to allow patients to regain freedom of movement and to walk comfortably, without pain.

What are the consequences of an operation like this?

The advantage of such an operation is that the patient can put his or her foot down immediately after the operation.

However, a few precautions should be taken into consideration. In particular, a cast splint must be worn for 40 days after surgery and it is advisable to avoid any unnecessary movement in order to allow the operated limb to rest.

A return to sporting activities can be considered after a period of 3 months of convalescence.