Foot & ankle · Motion preservation

Total ankle replacement in Canada

Total ankle replacement is a motion-preserving alternative to ankle fusion for end-stage ankle arthritis, using Stryker Prophecy™ patient-specific 3D surgical planning with custom-printed guides. Consultations with our fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Non-weight-bearing is typical for the first 2–6 weeks, transitioning to a walking boot, with full recovery over 6–12 months. Modern ankle implants are designed to last 10–15+ years.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons perform total ankle replacement. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Preserves ankle motion
Patient-specific 3D-printed guides
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient walking along a waterfront path after ankle replacement recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

Motion-preserving option

At a glance

Preserves ankle motion
Patient-specific 3D-printed guides
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

The procedure

What is total ankle replacement?

Total ankle replacement (TAR), also called ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged surfaces of the ankle joint with metal and plastic components. It’s designed for patients with severe ankle arthritis who experience significant pain and limited mobility despite conservative treatments.

Unlike ankle fusion (which locks the joint in place), ankle replacement aims to preserve motion in the joint. This can result in a more natural walking pattern and may reduce stress on adjacent joints.

Ankle replacement may be recommended for

Post-traumatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Failed previous ankle surgery

The goal of ankle replacement is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life while maintaining ankle motion. Your surgeon will discuss whether you’re a suitable candidate based on your specific condition and lifestyle.

Patient-specific technology

Stryker Prophecy™ 3D planning.

Personalized surgical planning with custom 3D-printed guides designed for your unique anatomy.

Stryker Prophecy™ patient-specific planning

How Prophecy works

Stryker Prophecy uses advanced CT imaging and 3D modeling to create a detailed surgical plan specific to your ankle anatomy. This allows for precise implant positioning and custom surgical guides that are 3D-printed just for you.

1

CT scan

You receive a CT scan following the Prophecy protocol
2

3D plan generation

A preoperative plan is generated according to surgeon preferences
3

Surgeon approval

Your surgeon reviews and approves the plan, making adjustments if needed
4

Custom guide fabrication

High-resolution nylon guides are 3D-printed specifically for your anatomy
5

Precision surgery

Surgery is performed using the custom guides according to the preoperative plan

Printed guides

Based planning

100%

Patient-specific

Technology information regarding Stryker Prophecy is provided by Stryker Corporation, the manufacturer. Individual results may vary.

Benefits

Advantages of ankle replacement.

Preserved joint motionUnlike fusion, replacement maintains movement in the ankle
More natural gaitAnkle motion contributes to a more natural walking pattern
Reduced adjacent joint stressMay help protect surrounding joints from additional wear
Pain managementAims for significant reduction in arthritis-related ankle discomfort

Not everyone is a candidate for ankle replacement. Your surgeon will evaluate factors such as bone quality, alignment, activity level, and overall health to determine the best approach.

What to expect

1

Before surgery

CT scan, Prophecy planning, pre-operative assessment, and custom guide fabrication (typically 2–3 weeks)
2

Initial recovery (weeks 1–4)

Non-weight bearing with cast or boot, elevation to manage swelling
3

Transition (weeks 4–8)

Progressive weight bearing, transition to walking boot, begin gentle range of motion
4

Full recovery (3–6 months)

Progressive return to activities and continued strengthening, with improvement continuing for up to a year

Your surgeon

Our ankle replacement specialist.

Fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in total ankle replacement.

Dr. Danny Arora

Minimally invasive foot & ankle surgery · Duke University fellowship trained

Dr. Arora is Duke University fellowship trained in minimally invasive foot & ankle surgery, with expertise in total ankle replacement using Stryker Prophecy patient-specific planning.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Both are effective treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis. Ankle replacement preserves motion and may feel more natural, while fusion provides very reliable pain relief. The best choice depends on your age, activity level, bone quality, ankle alignment, and personal goals. Your surgeon will help you understand which option is best for your specific situation.

Modern ankle replacement implants have shown good longevity in studies, with many lasting 10-15 years or more. Longevity depends on factors including activity level, body weight, and bone quality. If a replacement eventually wears out, it can often be revised or converted to a fusion.

Stryker Prophecy allows your surgeon to plan the procedure precisely before surgery using your CT scan data. The custom 3D-printed guides are designed specifically for your anatomy, which may help improve implant positioning accuracy. This personalized approach allows the surgeon to anticipate challenges and optimize the surgical plan for your specific case.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly with our team to discuss your ankle condition. We recommend bringing any recent X-rays or imaging to your appointment.

There is no strict age limit. Candidacy is determined by factors like your overall health, bone quality, and activity goals. While many patients are between 50 and 80, the procedure is designed to help any adult with severe arthritis that has not responded to non-surgical care.

The primary goal is to return you to low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and golf. High-impact activities like running or jumping are generally discouraged as they can increase wear on the implant components. Most patients find they can return to a very active lifestyle without the debilitating pain of arthritis.

Total ankle replacement in Canada