GALLARYAnkle replacement Operation:

 

1 the approach to the joint, just lateral to tibialis anterior(1). the ankle joint is open and marked as 2.

2 the distal tibia(1) and talus(2) more widely exposed. a large anterior spur of bone is visible from the tibia(3).

3 the spur being removed to allow identification of the actual level of the joint.

4 the alignment jig applied to the tibia prior to cutting a space for the joint.

5 the cutting block for the tibia in place.

6 5 mm of bone being removed from the tibia guided by the jig .

7 the gap produced by removing the tibial bone. the talus(1) remains to be prepared.

8 the jig applied to remove 4mm of bone from the talus.

9 the talar dome now resected(1) the space produced is large enough to accept the joint replacement. further fine finishing of the bones is required .

10 the talar sizing jig applied ,prior to removing the 'side walls' of the talus

11 the 'side walls' of the talus removed(1 and 2) .

12 the talar jig for fine cutting the front(1) and back (2) faces of the talus.

13 the final talar jig , for producing a central space to allow anchorage by the talar implants fin or keel.

14 the bone impactor to ensure correct size of the groove.the bone impactor to ensure correct size of the groove.

15 the trial talus(1), spacing block(2) and woods' jig(3) in situ in readiness for final preparation of the tibia.

16 drilling the cylindrical lug holes to allow anchorage of the tibial component.

17 the talar component in situ and holes in the tibia ready for the tibial component.

18 the tibial component being inserted.

19 the finished ankle replacement with talus (1) and tibia(2) resurfaced and a uhmwpe meniscus(3) inbetween.