Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Joint replacement for arthritis
1Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, SA.
Background:
Joint replacement is most commonly performed at the hip and knee for osteoarthritis. It is also possible to replace joints such as: the shoulder, elbow, metacarpophalangeal joints and ankle, but usually only when the joint has been destroyed by rheumatoid arthritis. While the main benefit of joint replacement is the resolution of arthritic pain, range of movement and function can also be improved and the length of the limb or alignment of the joint may be restored.
Objective:
In this article we address the indications for joint replacement, and how the patient is assessed. The results of joint replacements of varying joints are considered and we discuss some topical current concepts in joint replacement surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
Ankle Joint

