Ankle Replacement - Before & After

Patient experience before and after Ankle Replacement surgery performed by Mr Adam Budgen

At 64, after many years of running and walking long distances on hills and fells, I became increasingly aware of pain and stiffness in my left ankle; this was particularly noticeable when ascending steep inclines. The pain eventually worsened to such an extent that I could no longer walk comfortably on any surface or gradient and developed a limp. After making some investigations I decided that my best course of action was to seek advice from a consultant who specialises in ankle disorders.

Examination and X-rays revealed that the cartilage was completely worn away, allowing bone to rub against bone – hence the cause of my pain. My consultant explained the two options – fusion or replacement. As my priority was to return to the hills I chose to have replacement surgery, which was performed in early December 2012.

After wearing an air boot and using elbow crutches for several weeks, I was able to weight bear and begin physiotherapy to recover ankle mobility. Three months after surgery I started to walk off-road on local fields and paths, beginning with about six miles and gradually building up until I could walk 12 miles. I was pleased that the activity caused only mild discomfort and any stiffness around the joint could be alleviated by doing the prescribed stretching exercises regularly. I returned to my normal twice-weekly walks, each of approximately 20 miles, by the end of May 2013 and I completed the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path (180 miles/288km) over 13 days in July of the same year.

It is now two years since my ankle was replaced, and I continue to walk twice a week with no difficulty as well as regularly exercising at a gym. My only concession has been to use two poles when walking on the fells as I find these a great assistance especially when descending on rough ground.

I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone with the same condition, who is eligible, to consider this particular procedure. It has restored my quality of life!

J. C.

What our patients say

Just had to let you know how delighted I am with my new Sylastic implant. The healing of the wound and everything has been perfect. I also managed to go walking in the Dales again at the weekend, so as you can see life is good.

P. M.

After years of pain, I can finally run pain free and it is just incredible.

Thank you for the diagnosis and corrective procedure on my ankle. I completed a cycle ride covering over 1000 miles and ascending more than twice the height of Everest. This would not have been possible without your work.

C. F.

After you operated I only took painkillers for one day as they were simply not necessary. Thank you so much for the excellence of the operation you carried out on my First MTP Joint.

I would like to say how pleased I am with the result of my recent bunion operation. During my recovery period I have been in no pain whatsoever!!!! Many Thanks

A.W.

A massive thank you for the Keyhole Surgery you performed on my Bunion. I can honestly say it has been brilliant from start to finish. I wouldn't hesitate if I ever needed this operation again.

N. G.

Thank you Dr Budgen for making my feet happy again. The difference is amazing!

The operation was a great success and was clearly carried out with a degree of expertise and finesse, which made it heal really well with a minimum of discomfort from even the early stages

After discussion with my surgeon Mr Budgeon I decided to have Ankle Fusio and let me tell everybody its the best decision that I could have made. I have made a full recovery from both ops and I am walking pain free.

M.T.

I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone with the same condition, who is eligible, to consider Ankle Replacement procedure. It has restored my quality of life!

J. C.