TOTAL ANKLE REPLACEMENT: An Alternative To Fusion

Total ankle replacement is a procedure that is rapidly gaining acceptance as an alternative method of treating debilitating ankle pain often associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and avascular necrosis.   The evidence is seen in the number of patients that have traveled to New Jersey to have evaluations and ankle replacement surgery by Frederick F. Buechel, M.D.  Dr. Buechel is the senior partner of  South Mountain Orthopaedic Associates, LLC, located in South Orange, New Jersey.

Frederick F. Buechel, M.D., and Michael J. Pappas, Ph.D. are the co-inventors of the Buechel-Pappas  ™ total ankle replacement.  They are also recognized for their accomplishments on the research and development of the LCS ™  N.J. Knee Replacement System, which is used worldwide.  Together with his partners, Thomas E. Helbig, M.D., and Kevin J. Egan, M.D., these surgeons have helped thousands of patients who suffer from the painful symptoms of arthritis of the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

Ankle replacement surgery is less common than knee and hip replacements.  Many orthopaedic surgeons are not familiar or are not experienced with ankle replacement surgery.  The conventional treatment to correct a worn-out ankle joint has been to fuse the bones together.  This relieves the pain, however, it takes away the mobility generally leaving the patient with an unsparing limp and a stiff ankle joint.  Today, however, patients have the advantage of improved ankle implant devices due to advancements in joint replacement technology. 

The surgeons of South Mountain Orthopaedic Associates, LLC, are experience in joint replacement surgery and use the Buechel-Pappas ™ total ankle replacement.  It is mechanically superior to other ankle devices currently available.  Its shape and bearing surfaces have been thoroughly developed and tested over a 20-year period to allow maximum motion with minimal constraint.  Over the past few years it has become increasingly popular in the United States and has been extremely successful in Europe and Australia.

Dr. Buechel and his partners estimate that approximately 3,000 to 5,000 people in the United States could benefit from undergoing total ankle replacement instead of ankle fusion.  The average candidate is between 45-65 years of age with a diagnosis of post-traumatic arthritis.  However, ankle replacements have been performed on patients much younger and much older.

Many patients, who painfully limp can once again walk comfortably, climb stairs, play golf or ride a bicycle.  The replaced ankle offers the potential of full range-of-motion.  The surgical procedure takes approximately two hours, however, ankles that have sustained prior fractures with associated complex trauma can take four hours or more.   The procedure consists of a three-day hospital stay and patients are discharged wearing a short-leg walking cast for approximately six weeks.  The wound must be re-examined and a soft cast is to be worn for an additional six weeks.  Some ankle swelling is expected to last between three to twelve months after surgery in most cases.

A patient that is interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Buechel, Dr. Helbig or Dr. Egan may contact the office.  In addition to total joint replacement surgery, the physicians also treat and diagnose conditions involving spinal disorders, sports injuries and general orthopaedic conditions.   Both Dr. Helbig and Dr. Egan participate in the major insurance plans and accept Medicare assignment.  Dr. Buechel’s services, however, are on a fee-for-service basis.  The cost of the procedure depends on the complexity of the problem.  Interested persons may feel free to contact the office Monday through Friday at (973) 762-8344.

Reproduced with permission of The Star Ledger, NJ Back to Recent News