An ankle replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged ankle bones (lower shin and upper foot bone) are removed and replaced with artificial bones made of medical-grade metal and plastic. It is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, infection and arthritis caused by a previous surgical procedure. This is an open surgery and usually requires and overnight stay in the hospital.
| National Minimum Price | $14,732 | (Findlay, OH) |
| National Average Price | $23,940 | |
| National Maximum Price | $40,513 | (Findlay, OH) |
| Price Range | |
|---|---|
| Boston, MA Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $18,100 - $49,800 |
| Baltimore, MD Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $11,400 - $31,300 |
| Tampa, FL Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $11,400 - $31,300 |
| Denver, CO Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $13,100 - $35,900 |
| Minneapolis, MN Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $13,900 - $38,100 |
| San Diego, CA Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $16,500 - $45,200 |
| San Francisco, CA Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $18,200 - $49,900 |
| Seattle, WA Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $14,000 - $38,400 |
| St. Louis, MO Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $12,000 - $33,000 |
| Detroit, MI Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost Average | $12,800 - $35,200 |
| Name | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center | Charlottesville , VA | $6,700 - $18,500 |
| Colleton Ambulatory Surgery | Walterboro , SC | $6,500 - $17,800 |
| Frankfort Regional Medical Center | Frankfort , KY | $29,500 - $81,000 |
| Valley View Surgical Center | Lebanon , PA | $6,300 - $17,300 |
| North Mississippi Ambulatory Surgery Center | Tupelo , MS | $5,900 - $16,100 |
| Berwick Hospital Center | Berwick , PA | $31,800 - $87,300 |
| Saint Francis Hospital and Health Services | Maryville , MO | $21,300 - $58,500 |
| Summit Hospital | Phenix City , AL | $20,600 - $56,500 |
| Mercy Medical Center Merced - Dominican Campus | Merced , CA | $31,500 - $86,500 |
| Edgerton Hospital | Edgerton , WI | $28,300 - $77,900 |
| Bowdle Healthcare Center | Bowdle , SD | $27,800 - $76,200 |
| Elmore Medical Center | Mountain Home , ID | $37,400 - $102,800 |
| Flowers Hospital | Dothan , AL | $29,000 - $79,600 |
| Mid Ohio Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine | Columbus , OH | $9,200 - $25,200 |
| Shiller Surgery Center | Palestine , TX | $6,000 - $16,400 |
| Southern Inyo Hospital | Lone Pine , CA | $62,000 - $170,400 |
| Bone and Joint Surgery Center | Wausau , WI | $8,400 - $23,000 |
| Grady Orthopaedics | Spartanburg , SC | $7,400 - $20,200 |
| Sahara Surgery Center | Las Vegas , NV | $9,600 - $26,200 |
| Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio | Van Wert , OH | $7,400 - $20,300 |
| St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center | Phoenix , AZ | $23,700 - $65,100 |
| Mary Greeley Medical Center | Ames , IA | $51,200 - $140,700 |
| South Baldwin Regional Medical Center | Foley , AL | $27,900 - $76,700 |
| Coral Desert Surgery Center | St George , UT | $6,200 - $17,100 |
| Hendry Regional Medical Center | Clewiston , FL | $49,100 - $134,900 |
| Carolina Orthopedic and Sports Medicine | Havelock , NC | $7,300 - $19,900 |
| Go Orthopedics | Chester , VA | $8,400 - $23,100 |
| Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center | Globe , AZ | $53,400 - $146,700 |
| Highlands Joint and Spine Orthopedics | Sebring , FL | $7,200 - $19,800 |
| Community Memorial Hospital | Cloquet , MN | $48,700 - $133,900 |
Ankle Replacement Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction
Ankle replacement surgery, or total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), is an option for people who have lost mobility in their ankle due to arthritis pain. The most common forms of arthritis in the ankle are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays of patients with arthritis of the ankle usually show a narrowed joint and a breakdown of cartilage. This procedure is usually only considered after more conservative measures — anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, physical therapy, prescription pain medication and restrictions in activity — have been exhausted with little or no improvement. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic. Patients typically stay in the hospital for two to three days after the surgery and can return to normal activities after six weeks.
Patient Preparation for Ankle Replacement Surgery
You doctor will perform a physical exam along with blood or other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention. Finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You may need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.
What to Expect During and After Ankle Replacement Surgery
The surgery itself usually takes about two-and-a-half hours, but the preparation and recovery time may have several hours. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Typically, ankle replacement surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who will make an incision on the front of the ankle and a smaller incision on the back of the ankle. The surgeon will remove the damaged part of the bones (lower shin [tibia] and upper foot bone [talus]) and cartilage. They will then replace them with metal replacements for the bone and high-density plastic for the cartilage. After incisions are closed, your ankle will be placed in a brace that is rigid in the back and soft in the front to allow swelling.
After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. Patients stay in the hospital from one to three days, when pain can be managed without IV pain medication and the patient can safely use crutches or a walker. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.
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