Ankle Surgery
What is ankle surgery?
Ankle surgery is an option for patients who have severe ankle joint pain or injury. The joints that have been severely damaged may require the bones to be fused together or replaced with an artificial joint.
The doctor will select the type of ankle surgery that is best for an individual based on factors such as overall health, age, and the severity of discomfort.
When is ankle surgery required?
Ankle surgery may be required to address arthritis, tendonitis, fracture, and problems that are not being resolved with therapy and medications.
Particulars | Details |
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Cost for Ankle Surgery in India | Starts from 7,000 USD |
Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | 2 days |
Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 5 days |
Treatment’s Success Rate | 90% |
Tests required to help assess the treatment | Clinical Examination, routine blood, and urine, HIV, HBV, HCV, X-ray, MRI, and special tests as per the need. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
India, A Preferred Destination For Ankle Surgery
Ankle replacement surgery is a common surgical operation in India, with thousands of people opting for it each year. Many people from around the world who have been advised to have an ankle replacement opt to travel to India for treatment at some of the best institutions.
There are a number of reasons why patients choose to have their ankles replaced in India. These include inexpensive surgery costs, the availability of qualified doctors, a high success rate, and the availability of top surgical and rehabilitation facilities.
In comparison to other countries, especially those in the Western and Middle East regions, the cost of an ankle surgery in India is quite low.
The cost of ankle surgery in the United States is projected to be nearly four times the cost in India.
For example, cost of ankle fusion surgery in India starts from USD 7,000. While the therapy in nations like the United States might cost up to USD 30,000. Medical centres in India offer it for one-third the price.
When it comes to quality therapy backed by science, ankle replacement doctors in India adopt the most up-to-date approach. They ensure that patients receive the greatest results possible using their talents, smart healthcare, and rehabilitation.
Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are examples of specialized rehabilitation treatments. This allows patients to resume normal activities as soon as feasible after surgery.
The hospital staff doctors and nurses all speak English, so there is no language barrier. Additionally, people who have difficulty in speaking English can opt for translators. They are readily available in India.
Some of India’s greatest orthopedic hospitals are designed to provide competent patient care.
Indian Medical Visa Process (India e-Medical Visa)
By default, the Indian government allows a medical visa to be valid for 60 days. However, India’s new visa policy allows the paper-based medical visa to be extended for up to 180 days.
Individuals can obtain an Indian Medical Visa by filling out an Indian Visa Application Form online. This procedure will only take a couple of minutes. Then you have to make the payment through PayPal and provide the appropriate documents for treatment, such as a letter from a hospital. This process takes 72 hours to complete, and an accepted Visa is emailed to the concerned person.
Nationals of e-Visa India-eligible countries who require a Medical Visa may apply online using the online e-Visa India application form at https://www.indiavisa-online.org. A letter from the hospital in India where they intend to receive treatment is required.
The individual may also be requested to show proof that they have enough money to cover their medical expenses in India. They may also be asked to produce a return travel ticket to their native country once the medical treatment is completed. These papers can be faxed or emailed to the Help Desk, or they can be submitted to the website later.
One of the benefits of the Indian Medical Visa is that, unlike the 30-day Tourist Visa, which is only valid for two entries, it enables three entries into India during its 60-day duration.
The following conditions and requirements of the e-Visa for medical treatment must be understood and remembered as pointers:
- The Indian e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
- The e-Medical India Visa allows you to visit India three times.
- Individuals can apply for a Medical Visa up to three times per year.
- It is not possible to extend the electronic Medical Visa.
- This visa is not convertible and cannot be changed to a tourist or business visa.
- It can’t be used to enter protected or restricted sites.
- Patients must show proof of financial support for their stay in India.
- During your trip to the airport, the patient must have a PDF or paper copy with you.
- On the e-Medical India Visa, patients can request a return ticket.
- There is no such thing as a group medical visa for India; each applicant must apply independently.
- On the day of arrival in India, the passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Individuals must have two blank pages in their passports so that immigration and border control personnel can stamp their passports at the airport for entry and exit.
- A regular passport is required to be presented. Indian Medical Visas cannot be obtained using diplomatic, service, official, or refugee passports.
- Individuals must apply for a paper or conventional India Medical Visa rather than an electronic Medical Visa on the Govt. website if the treatment will continue longer than 180 days.
The website allows a person to apply online, and it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to finish the application. It is highly recommended that an individual applies for a Medical Visa in India online rather than visiting an Indian Embassy or High Commission.
Ankle Surgery Procedure
For many ankle disorders, surgery is not the only option. The majority of ankle problems can be resolved with therapy and medication. Surgery may be the sole option if the ankles are unstable, fractured, or cause persistent discomfort.
Ankle fracture surgery is performed when the ankle bones are unstable and require additional support to recover. If the ankle is stable and the damaged bone is not out of place, a few smaller fractures may not require surgery.
The surgeon’s choice on whether or not to operate will be based on the following factors:
- Severity of the symptoms.
- The patient’s response to nonsurgical treatments.
Pre-Operative Procedure
The patient checks in at the hospital or surgical center on the day of the surgery and is sent to a pre-operative room. All vital signs will be monitored, including temperature and blood pressure.
An intravenous (IV) line will then be inserted into a vein. This is done to allow for the administration of fluids and medications.
The patient will then be taken to the operating room, where the surgical team will provide general anesthesia.
Types Of Ankle Surgery
The optimum surgery for ankle ailment will be determined by the amount of the injury as well as the overall health of the patient. The doctor will decide on the type of surgery needed and it could be one of the following.
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Ankle Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy can be used to treat loose bone fragments, torn ligaments as in sprained ankle and damaged cartilage. In this minimally invasive treatment, the doctor makes a small incision to implant an arthroscope. It is a narrow tube with a fiber-optic video function.
The image from inside the joint is displayed on a TV monitor in the operating room in real time. This allows the surgeon to assess the joint without having to make a huge incision and direct their future steps.
Additional incisions may be made near the afflicted ankle at various times. The doctor will next treat and mend the joint with specialized surgical instruments.
As the arthroscopic surgery uses small, precise incisions, the patient will recover faster and have less postoperative pain.
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Ankle Fracture Surgery
If any of the bones in the ankle joint break, the doctor can use surgery to ease the discomfort and mend the bones. This may entail relocating the shattered bone fragments and securing them together with metal plates and screws to promote appropriate healing.
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Ankle Replacement
An ankle replacement operation involves removing the broken ends of the ankle bones and replacing them with a prosthetic ankle. Healthy people with advanced arthritis are good candidates for an ankle replacement.
Despite the fact that the operation can alleviate the pain, it may be recommended to avoid high-impact activities to avoid destroying the artificial joint.
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Ankle Fusion
During an ankle fusion, the surgeon removes damaged tissue and uses metal screws and plates to permanently link the ankle bones together. As the damaged bones heal, they will spontaneously fuse into one bone.
Unlike ankle replacement, this procedure is typically advised for younger patients who lead more active lives.
One disadvantage of the procedure is that it limits the range of motion of the ankle. This may put additional strain on surrounding joints, increasing the chances of getting arthritis in those areas. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the surgeon before opting for the procedure.
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Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
A lateral ankle ligament restoration, also known as the Broström surgery, can assist to stabilize and strengthen the ankle, especially after a series of ankle sprains.
The doctor will tighten any loose or weaker ligaments throughout this surgery. This treatment is frequently performed as an outpatient procedure.
Post-Operative Procedure Of Ankle Surgery
The patient will probably need to spend at least one night in the hospital following surgery. For the first 12 to 24 hours following surgery, the patient will be given pain killers, which reduces discomfort.
It is advisable to keep off the foot for at least 48-72 hours after surgery, depending on the procedure. During this period, the patient should limit walking to the bathroom only.
After surgery, the ankle will be in a cast or splint. After the surgery, maintain the position of surgical dressing. The patient can loosen the outer bandage if the ankle is swollen, although it is always better to ask the doctor first. Swelling and bleeding are common side effects of surgery.
The patient should try to minimizing edema during the initial healing phase by sleeping with the foot elevated above the heart.
The doctor may recommend a physical therapist, who will give mobility-enhancing exercises to practice. For a few months, the patient will not be able to bear any weight on the ankle.
To make walking easier, the doctor will provide crutches or a walker. For the first 7-10 days after surgery, avoid activities that cause knee pain or swelling, such as extended standing or walking.
If the discomfort is acceptable, the patient can return to work or school 3-4 days after surgery after consultation with the doctor.
Full recovery can take anywhere from three to four months, depending on the type of ankle surgery. Complete healing from operations for serious ankle injuries might take up to a year.
Benefits of Ankle Surgery
The following are some of the advantages of ankle surgery:
- Ankle function and mobility are improved.
- Pain and other symptoms are relieved.
- Ability to carry out ordinary tasks without difficulty.
Once a surgeon has established that a patient is a good candidate for surgery, they will be scheduled for the treatment in an outpatient centre or a hospital.
Tips And Advice
It’s critical to keep the ankle isolated and immobilized for both rehabilitation and pain management.
It is advisable to shower by covering the dressing with waterproof bags. Ice therapy should be started as soon as possible after surgery.
Putting ice on the splint or dressing can assist with swelling and pain after surgery.
Icing the area above the splint or dressing, as well as behind the knee, may be beneficial. This will help to decrease pain and inflammation by cooling the blood going to your surgery site.
While icing, keep the limb supported. For the first 14 days, ice as much as possible. Ensure that the ice does not leak and that the dressing is not soaked.
Following surgery, the ankle will be encased in dressings that must be changed on a regular basis. Keep the dressings dry and well wrapped.
Another significant factor in reducing swelling and managing pain is the use of a non-opioid pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It works wonders for lowering swelling and alleviating pain that comes with ankle healing.
How Can MyMedTrip.com Help You?
It is natural to be overwhelmed and concerned while traveling to a new place for medical treatment. Throughout the journey, we shall assist the patient and their attendant, and provide a manager for help throughout the whole medical trip. We will also assist in overcoming linguistic barriers.
Should you decide on traveling to India for medical assistance, you may email us at hi@mymedtrip.com or WhatsApp at +91 9818237391.
The first consultation arranged by us would be free of cost! Additionally, we also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.
For any further assistance/queries or questions related to ankle surgery as well as services in India, do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address. We shall be glad to assist you and help you get well soon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ankle Surgery
How long will it take to complete the ankle surgery?
Ankle surgery can take more than two hours in most cases. During the procedure, the patient is either under general or spinal anesthesia and thus they feel nothing.
When will I be able to leave the hospital after the treatment?
The patient will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the ankle procedure. Prior to release, a plaster splint or boot may be placed over the wound. The doctor will provide instructions and measures to follow during the healing process.
How long does ankle surgery take to heal?
After surgery, the bones in the ankle can take up to six weeks to mend, but it can take several months to a year to regain complete ankle motion.
When will I be able to walk after surgery?
The patient should not put any weight on the operated foot for a while. In four to six weeks after surgery, many people are able to walk and begin physical therapy. This is a gradual technique that varies from person to person.
How long does an ankle surgery last?
According to recent statistics, 90 percent of ankle surgeries have remained intact for roughly 5 years following surgery and 80 percent for 8 years. The longevity is determined by the severity of the joint injury.
Is it okay if I get my foot wet?
It is critical to keep the bandage dry for the first two weeks by wearing a waterproof cover over the leg while showering.
Why do I need to elevate my leg?
It is critical to keep the ankle elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling in the ankle and foot.
Will I be able to conduct physically demanding activities after ankle surgery?
Yes. The majority of patients are able to engage in low-demand activities such as walking, hiking, biking, and swimming a year after surgery.
Participating in high-risk events, such as long-distance running or sports with a significant impact on the ankle, should be avoided. This is because these techniques will shorten the joint’s life expectancy.
When can a patient return to work?
It depends on the type of work an individual performs. If it’s primarily sedentary, then they can return to work in two weeks, otherwise, they might need roughly six weeks off.
When will I have my follow-up appointment after my ankle surgery?
After the surgery, the patient might be asked to see the specialist within 7-10 days. Notify the consultant right away if there are any warning symptoms.