Understand ankle replacement, the options to discuss with a qualified clinician and what to confirm before planning a visit to Shiraz.
Key points
- Discuss your individual suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating clinician.
- Ask for written preparation and recovery instructions, including your medicines and follow-up.
- Confirm the healthcare facility, full costs and arrangements before booking travel.
On this page
- Overview of ankle replacement
- Why is a total ankle replacement surgery needed?
- Is Iran a good place to undergo ankle replacement surgery?
- How is a total ankle replacement performed?
- Partial ankle replacement
- What to do before a total ankle joint surgery?
- What are total ankle replacement post-operative cares?
- Ankle replacement surgery vs. bone fusion
- A practical point for your care
- Planning treatment in Shiraz
- Sources
Ankle replacement is a major surgery recommended to those who cannot walk freely as their ankle joint is damaged and worn away.
While the cost of this surgery in your country can be mind-blowing, it is offered at reasonable prices in Iranian hospitals. Yet, price is not the only determinant in making patients head to Iran. Factors like availability of highly experienced surgeons and latest technologies and equipment add up to the popularity of this country for orthopedic treatments.
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Overview of ankle replacement
Total ankle replacement or ankle arthroplasty is a surgical procedure which removes a damaged ankle joint and replaces it with a prosthesis. The ankle joint (tibiotalar) is where the first bone of your foot (talus) gets connected to the bone of your lower leg (shinbone or tibia). After the surgery, pain and swelling goes away and you are able to move your ankle freely.
Why is a total ankle replacement surgery needed?
There are some reasons causing ankle joint damage, like arthritis, which make the sufferer unable to move his foot without tolerating any pain. Arthritis is the result of cartilage getting worn away.
There are several types of arthritis that require undergoing the procedure, such as rheumatoid arthritis (thickness and inflammation of synovial membrane), osteoarthritis (as a result of aging and getting old), and post-traumatic arthritis (damage of the cartilage due to a serious injury).
Further to arthritis, any damage/injury in the ankle joint which causes pain and inflammation should be treated. Mainly, it is treated through total ankle replacement surgery.
Is Iran a good place to undergo ankle replacement surgery?
Several factors make Iran an appealing country for orthopedic surgeries like ankle arthroplasty. They include:
Reliable doctors and surgeons – Nowadays, a considerable number of orthopedic surgeries are performed in Iran. Owing to this, Iranian orthopedists have got the required proficiency to carry out the surgeries with high success and safety.
Attractive prices – Cost of ankle replacement in Iran is much more affordable, though the quality is high and clinics are well-equipped. In fact, any medical/cosmetic procedure in Iran is cheaper than the same procedure in many developed and developing countries. This is because the value of Iranian currency has recently dropped against foreign currencies.
Orthopedic advances – There’s been a significant upswing in orthopedics during the past century. Thanks to the great work of some Iranian orthopedists, Iran’s now recognized as a well-developed country in performing any sort of orthopedic procedure.
Tourist attractions – With a host of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Iran has much to offer to foreign visitors. The hospitality and openness of Iranian people toward tourists is also well-known
How is a total ankle replacement performed?
Under general anesthesia, an orthopedic surgeon performs the procedure. There is a complete arrangement to check your vital signs during the surgery, heart rate and blood pressure included.
After incising your ankle (the number of incisions depends on the method of surgery), the surgeon removes damaged portion of talus and shinbone. Then, with the help of cement, new pieces of metal with a plastic surface in-between are put and kept in their right places.
Partial ankle replacement
Depending on the stage of ankle arthritis or severity of ankle damage, you may be recommended to either replace your ankle joint (total) or the damaged part of your ankle (partial).
What to do before a total ankle joint surgery?
The to-dos listed below have essential effect on the result:
- Report your health condition to your physician;
- Prepare the documents needed; such as x-ray, MRI, and CT scan;
- Safe transportation must be ensured after discharging from hospital;
- Heart, kidney and lungs have to be examined by your doctor.
What are total ankle replacement post-operative cares?
Please consider what is briefly explained below:
- There is a necessary x-ray for checking the ankle condition after the procedure;
- In the case of fever, seek medical attention;
- Elevate your leg for several days.
Ankle replacement surgery vs. bone fusion
When the cartilage of your ankle is damaged, you start to feel pain and stiffness in your ankle. In this situation, you may consider your treatment options which are replacing your bad joint or fusing the ankle bones into one.
In ankle joint replacement, the damaged joint is removed and an artificial one is placed which functions as your natural joint. This surgery is a complex procedure with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious advantage is that it helps you get back to your normal life and activities. But, it may affect the adjacent areas and develops into other bone’s arthritis. In this condition, the person requires to go for a second operation.
A practical point for your care
Before an operation, the pre-assessment team should review your health, previous tests and all medicines and supplements. Ask for written instructions on medicines, eating, drinking and aftercare that apply to your planned procedure.[1]
Planning treatment in Shiraz
Ask SanaMedTour about the appropriate specialty, appointment arrangements and practical support for your visit. The treating clinician confirms the diagnosis, treatment options, suitability and follow-up after assessment.
Request an itemised written quote identifying the clinician, facility, tests, treatment, medicines, reviews and any accommodation or transfers included.
Sources
[1] NHS: Preparing for surgery — supports the individual-care planning note above. ↑ Back to text
Editorial adaptation: 25 October 2026. General information for planning and discussion; your clinician’s individual instructions take priority.