Ankle replacement surgery in Germany

The best hospitals for ankle replacement surgery in Germany are listed below. The rank is based on multiple factors, including price, quality of the doctors, cost of treatment and the success rate from our user reviews.

Ankle replacement

Ankle replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) or total ankle replacement (TAR), is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or arthritic ankle joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called an ankle prosthesis. This surgical intervention is typically performed to alleviate pain, improve ankle function, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with severe ankle joint problems, such as advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic joint damage.
The ankle joint is a complex hinge joint that allows for the dorsiflexion (bending the foot upward) and plantarflexion (pointing the foot downward) of the foot. In an ankle replacement procedure, the damaged or arthritic surfaces of the tibia (shin bone), talus (ankle bone), and fibula (outer lower leg bone) are removed and replaced with artificial components. These components typically include metal and plastic, and there are various designs and types of ankle prostheses.

What types of ankle replacements can be used

There are several types of ankle replacements (total ankle arthroplasty or TAA) that can be used to address various ankle joint conditions and patient needs. The choice of the specific type of ankle replacement is typically determined by the orthopedic surgeon after evaluating the patient’s condition and individual requirements. The primary types of ankle replacements include:
Fixed-Bearing Ankle Replacement: In this type of ankle replacement, the articulating components of the implant are fixed in position and do not allow for significant movement or rotation between the tibia and talus. This design may provide stability and durability.
Mobile-Bearing Ankle Replacement: Mobile-bearing ankle replacements have articulating components that allow for some degree of movement and rotation between the tibia and talus. This design aims to mimic the natural movement of the ankle joint more closely.
Two-Component Ankle Replacement: In a two-component ankle replacement, only the tibia and talus are replaced with artificial components. This design may be suitable for patients with relatively good bone quality in the fibula.
Three-Component Ankle Replacement: In a three-component ankle replacement, the tibia, talus, and fibula are replaced with artificial components. This design may be chosen when the fibula is involved in the joint pathology or when additional stability is required.
Reverse Total Ankle Replacement (rTAA): A reverse total ankle replacement involves a unique design that reverses the positions of the tibia and talus components. This design is often used for patients with specific ankle conditions, such as severe deformities or instability.
Custom Ankle Replacement: Some ankle replacements are customized to fit the specific needs and anatomy of the patient. These custom implants are designed based on preoperative imaging and can provide a tailored solution.

How is the ankle replacement surgery performed

The surgery involves several key steps:
Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure that the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery. The anesthesia options may include general anesthesia (unconscious throughout the procedure) or regional anesthesia (numbing the lower limb while the patient remains awake).
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the front of the ankle to expose the damaged joint.
Bone Preparation: The damaged or arthritic surfaces of the tibia (shin bone), talus (ankle bone), and sometimes the fibula (outer lower leg bone) are carefully removed. The surgeon prepares the bones to receive the artificial components.
Prosthesis Placement: The artificial components of the ankle prosthesis are inserted and secured in place. These components typically include:
Tibial Component: This component is inserted into the tibia to replace the damaged tibial joint surface.
Talar Component: This component is inserted into the talus to replace the damaged talus joint surface.
Inserter: An insert or liner may be placed between the tibial and talar components to provide a smooth articulating surface.
Alignment and Testing: The surgeon carefully assesses the placement, alignment, and function of the artificial ankle components to ensure proper joint movement and stability.
Closure: The surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples.

How much does a ankle replacement cost in Germany

The estimated cost of an ankle replacement in Germany can range from approximately €18.700 to €21.360.

Best hospitals for ankle replacement surgery in Germany

Here are some of the reputable hospitals in Germany that are known for orthopedic surgery, including ankle replacement surgery:
Nordwest Hospital Frankfurt am Main.
Atos Hospital Munich.
Rotkreuz Hospital Frankfurt am Main.
Ethianum Clinic Heidelberg.