Clinical Reference Only: Protocols are cataloged from third-party sources and provided for reference only. Treating clinicians must verify current accuracy and follow the operative report and surgeon's specific instructions.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Protocols

3 Total Ankle Arthroplasty rehabilitation protocols from 3 institutions, published 2023. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

InstitutionWeight-BearingKey Restrictions
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT — Total Ankle… NWB x4 weeks in CAM boot; PWB progressing to WBAT in CAM boot by 6 weeks; FWB normalizing… PROM DF/PF only x4-6 weeks (no inversion/eversion ROM); no inversion/eversion resistance x8 weeks (isometrics…
Massachusetts General Hospital NWB on crutches in splint wks 0-2; NWB walking wks 3-5 (may WB in boot standing only for… Elevation 'toes above nose' critical (max 2-3 hrs below heart first 2 wks); swelling normal up to 6-12…
Sanford Health — Total Ankle Arthroplasty NWB in post-op splint x 2 wks; boot with WB per physician wks 2-6; wean from boot to shoe… AROM/PROM begin at wk 2; closed chain ankle ROM at 6-10 wks; pain and swelling can persist due to procedure…

All 3 Total Ankle Arthroplasty protocols

Total Ankle Arthroplasty — Total Ankle Replacement
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT
Stephen Knecht MD (US Ski Team Physician)
Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Massachusetts General Hospital
MGH Sports Medicine / Foot & Ankle Service · Revised January 2023
Surgical — Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Sanford Health
03/2024

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