Each year, Tara Parker-Pope tells us
in her Well column in the New York Times, 770,000 hips and knees are replaced, presumably with new hips and knees. Now comes the next big body part to be swapped for a newer model: ankles. Parker Pope reports that four new ankle models, all made from metal alloys and plastic, have been approved by the FDA, and all offer a more pleasing alternative than the ankle fusion that has been the standard remedy for end-stage ankle arthritis. But even with a new ankle, Parker-Pope warns, we can't expect the same ankles we ran around on as teenagers. Activities like basketball and distance running, will remain memories, but golf and
walking, and sometimes even skiing, should once again be on the agenda.
Read more from Tara Parker-Pope.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
I had a knee injury at a young age. I have one leg 42mm
shorter than the other.I have worn a build up shoe all my life. I am now 80 years of age, and in need of a knee replacement, Is it possible to now extend the leg with the knee replacement, to the point whewe a shoe would not have to be build up?
I had a total ankle replacement last June here in Atlanta. Doc says it will take about a year for the total healing to take place…now I am about at 75%…had 0 pain after the operation….walking without any aid…..to be honest the burden in the beginning is on the caregiver….must have a great caregiver…
I had total ankle replacement last June in Atlanta. I am walking without any aids…after the surgery I had 0 pain…Doc said full recovery take about 1 yr. so I have a little way to go. have a little “discomfort” but no pain like before the surgery. A little anti-inflamatory gets rid of most of that….to be honest, your caregiver is most important….must have someone you can totally rely one….all in all, I am thrilled with the results and would gladly recommend the doctors,,,,,
I am in Atlanta and I am looking for a doctor to do ankle replacement on me. My Doctor wants to fuse it. Im 48 and to young and active for a fusion. Could you tell me the Doctor you used and any cons in the Doctor or the surgury. Thank You, Lisa Boles
404-597-6493
I am looking for a referral to a good ankle doctor. Need either fusion or replacement. fusion is 12 weeks non-weight bearing and I live alone with a few stairs. Down’t seem realistic. So I am exploring replacement. Would really like to know your doctor.
Thanks,
Marianne MIkell
joel, i’m a physical therapist and work with many knee replacements. unfortunately, i don’t believe lengthening is possible. at least not for the amount you need.If a significant deformity was present in the knee prior to surgery, after surgery when the leg is straightened, some lengthening of the lower extremity will occur. However, unlike total hip replacement surgery, it is very difficult to lengthen the leg significantly at the time of total knee replacement. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments are retained at the time of knee replacement surgery, and these limit the degree of lengthening that can be provided to the leg. sorry, steve weakland
My husband had total ankle replacement in lieu of fusion 6 years ago. It was done by a wonderful orthopedic doctor in Columbus, GA. He has resumed everything he used to do, except running. Uneven ground presents a problem but otherwise would recommend it to all who need it!
Hi.
My husband is needing an ankle replacement really bad, and we can’t find a Dr. close by that does it. We live in Macon, Ga. There aren’t any surgeons in Macon that do the surgery. We have a daughter in Columbus , Georgia and when I saw your comments I just had to write and see if you would tell me the name of your husbands Dr. My husband is really scared to have the surgery, but his pain is very bad and he needs to get something done. He just don’t want a fusion. Thanks very much for your help . Bobbie Jester
Who was the doctor? I need an ankle replacement or fusion and need a second opinion. I live alone in SC but have a sister in Columbus, GA.
Thanks.
I agree with you to have replacement rather than fusion you are right it does take about 1 year to completely heal. it’s great not to have all the pain . DR. John Gould @ UAB in Bir-Ham used the DePuy art. Ankle Wouldn’t take a Gold Monkey for mine
I had an ankle fusion with pins and screws put in my heel. I have had 2 other surgerys since then where they removed the screws and pins and another surgery where they removed scare tissure. I am in constant pain and in look for relief. I have not yet found a doctore to help me. I recently saw a doctor and he wanted to clip the nerve in my foot. I just don’t think that’s a good idea. I am really looking for a good doctor to help. I looking for a doctor in the columbus georgia area. Anyone have any suggestions. Please Help!