Ankle Replacement Surgery Performed in Arlington, VA

Arthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. Unlike hip and knee arthritis, which often result from age-related cartilage degeneration, ankle arthritis typically stems from trauma, such as a fall or direct blow that involves a bone fracture. If the broken bone extends into the ankle joint, it can damage the joint’s smooth cartilage coating, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact.

Typically, ankle arthritis treatment begins conservatively. Many patients benefit from weight management, muscle-strengthening exercises, bracing, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or injections. However, an ankle replacement may be considered to address severe or chronic pain that is resistant to nonsurgical therapies. This surgical procedure involves replacing damaged weight-bearing surfaces in an arthritic ankle joint with a customized metal and plastic prosthesis.

The Latest Techniques in Ankle Replacement

Dr. Matthew Buchanan is an esteemed trailblazer in ankle replacement surgery who practices at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Buchanan graduated with a medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he was honored with the Department of Surgery Jonasson Prize for his exceptional dedication and performance in surgery. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at West Virginia University, where he served as chief resident. His educational journey continued with fellowship training at the renowned Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Columbus, Ohio. Driven by his passion for research, Dr. Buchanan also contributed to a comprehensive textbook titled “Essential Foot and Ankle Surgical Techniques.”

At NOC, Dr. Buchanan dedicates his practice entirely to foot and ankle care. He is one of a select few orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons who are certified to perform all four ankle replacement procedures that utilize two-component designs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): the Agility total ankle system, the INBONE total ankle system, the Salto Talaris anatomic ankle prosthesis and the Eclipse total ankle implant. He is continually exploring new ways to minimize the recovery time associated with foot and ankle surgery.

Take Your First Step Toward Relief

If you are contemplating ankle replacement surgery, Dr. Buchanan can be your trusted guide and surgeon. Reach out to Nirschl Orthopaedic Center today to schedule an appointment at our state-of-the-art orthopedic facility in Arlington, VA. Under Dr. Buchanan’s expert care, you can regain pain-free mobility and reclaim your active lifestyle.