Total ankle replacement surgery in Europe

What is Total Ankle Replacement surgery?

Total ankle joint replacement, also known as ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical treatment for people with advanced ankle arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ankle joint wears away, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility. This can make everyday activities such as walking, standing and climbing stairs very difficult.

Ankle replacement surgery involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial components designed to move smoothly and mimic the function of a healthy ankle.

Your surgeon may recommend ankle replacement if:

• You have severe ankle pain that does not improve with non-surgical treatments
• Arthritis significantly affects your mobility and quality of life
• The ankle joint is stiff or painful despite physiotherapy, medication or injections

Unlike ankle fusion surgery, ankle replacement aims to preserve movement in the joint, which can help maintain a more natural walking pattern.

Through My Medical Gateway, total ankle replacement surgery is available at Accredited Hospitals in Lithuania and Spain, with Treatment Packages starting from £8,876.

Who is a candidate for Total Ankle Replacement?

Total ankle replacement is typically offered to patients who have:

• End-stage ankle arthritis (post-traumatic, osteoarthritis, or inflammatory arthritis)
• Persistent pain and disability despite conservative management (physiotherapy, bracing, injections)
• Good bone quality and alignment (minimal deformity or correctable deformity)
• Low to moderate activity demands

It is generally less suitable for:

• Younger, high-impact or very active patients
• Severe deformity, infection, poor soft tissue, or neuropathy (e.g. Charcot joint)
• Severe osteoporosis or vascular disease.

Your My Medical Gateway-partnered specialist will carry out a thorough assessment, including review of imaging, before any treatment is confirmed. You will not proceed to surgery without a formal consultation and your fully informed consent.

Total ankle replacement recovery timeline

(May vary with provider)

• Hospital stay: typically 2 to 4 nights
• 0 to 2 weeks: Immobilisation in a splint or cast; non-weight-bearing
• 2 to 6 weeks: Transition to boot; gradual partial weight-bearing
• 6 to 12 weeks: Progression to full weight-bearing; begin physiotherapy
• 3 to 6 months: Improved strength, mobility, and function
• 6 to 12 months: Maximal recovery and functional outcome.

Full recovery varies depending on patient health and rehabilitation compliance.

What is included in a My Medical Gateway Treatment Package?

Treatment Packages typically include:

• Pre-operative assessment and consultations with your specialist
• The surgical procedure, including all implant components and surgical equipment
• Hospital accommodation for the duration of your inpatient stay, typically 2 to 4 nights
• Nursing care and initial in-hospital physiotherapy
• Post-operative follow-up with your surgical team.

Flights and accommodation in the destination country are not included in the prices shown.

Benefits of total ankle replacement

• Significant pain relief
• Preservation of ankle motion (unlike ankle fusion)
• Improved gait and function
• Reduced stress on adjacent joints, lowering the risk of secondary arthritis.

Risks of total ankle replacement surgery

• Infection or wound healing problems
• Implant loosening or failure over time
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Blood clots
• Reduced implant lifespan (possible need for revision surgery)

This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

Accredited Hospitals for Total Ankle Replacement surgery

Total ankle replacement surgery is available at 5 My Medical Gateway accredited hospitals in Lithuania and Spain. Prices shown are for the Treatment Package only, excluding flights and accommodation.

Our specialist Surgeons for Total Ankle Replacement

Every total ankle replacement procedure through My Medical Gateway is performed by a named, qualified specialist orthopaedic surgeon at your chosen Accredited Hospital. All surgeons practise within nationally regulated healthcare systems and are credentialed in their field.

We will introduce you to the specific surgeon who will be performing your procedure as part of the pre-operative consultation process. If you would like to know more about the surgical team at a specific hospital before enquiring, our UK-based team is happy to provide further detail.

Why choose My Medical Gateway?

My Medical Gateway is not a comparison site. We work with a carefully selected group of accredited European hospitals offering total ankle replacement surgery. Every hospital has been assessed for clinical quality and safety before being made available to patients.

Total ankle replacement is a technically demanding procedure that requires careful patient selection and an experienced surgical team. Our team will ensure you are assessed by a specialist with the specific experience to advise on whether this procedure is right for your individual condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Total Ankle Replacement

How long does total ankle replacement surgery take?

Total ankle replacement surgery typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours under general or spinal anaesthetic, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgical approach used.

How much does private total ankle replacement cost in the UK?

Private total ankle replacement surgery in the UK typically costs between £14,000 and £20,000 depending on the hospital and the complexity of the procedure. Through My Medical Gateway, packages at Accredited Hospitals in start from , excluding flights and accommodation.

How long do total ankle replacement implants last?

Current evidence suggests that modern total ankle replacement implants have a survivorship of approximately 80 to 90 per cent at 10 years, meaning most patients retain a functioning implant for a decade or more. Longer-term data is still accumulating as the procedure has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. Implant longevity depends on factors including patient weight, activity level, bone quality and alignment. Your surgeon will discuss expected implant lifespan based on your individual circumstances.

Can total ankle replacement be revised if it fails?

Yes, though revision of a failed total ankle replacement is technically more demanding than the original procedure. Options include revision to a new ankle replacement (using a more constrained implant and bone grafting where needed) or conversion to ankle fusion. The choice between revision replacement and fusion depends on the extent of bone loss, the cause of failure and the patient's overall health and activity goals. Your specialist will discuss the revision options relevant to your specific situation if needed.

Who performs my surgery and how do I know they are qualified?

All total ankle replacement procedures through My Medical Gateway are performed by named, specialist orthopaedic surgeons practising within nationally regulated healthcare environments. You will be introduced to the surgeon performing your procedure during your pre-operative consultation, before any treatment is confirmed. You are encouraged to ask about their qualifications, experience with total ankle replacement specifically and the implant systems they use. Your hospital will not proceed with any treatment without your fully informed consent.