Ankle Arthroplasty — Total Ankle Arthroplasty

iOrtho

Weight-Bearing

NWB in splint wks 0-2; standing WB in boot only (NWB walking) wks 3-5; WBAT in boot wk 6; wean boot wks 7-8; FWB in sneaker wk 8+

Key Restrictions

Elevate ankle above heart level majority of day wks 0-2; if tendon transfers: no resistance strengthening or stretching of involved musculature until 3 months post-op; no high-impact activities ever; swelling may persist 6-12 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (Wks 0-2 immediate), Phase II (Wks 3-5 intermediate), Phase III (Wks 6-10 late), Phase IV (Wks 11-13 transitional), Phase V (Wks 14-16 transitional), Phase VI (Months 4-6 advanced), Phase VII (Months 6+ low-impact RTS)

Notes

Reserved for older adults with lower activity demands; ROM improvement may vary; no return to high-impact sport ever; outcome measures: Y-Balance, Star Excursion Balance Test, PRRS

Published

August 2024