Total Ankle Replacement & Ankle Arthritis
Specialized foot and ankle procedure performed by Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr Shyam Thakkar at ARTICUL8 Clinic in Erandwane, Pune. Comprehensive care for severe ankle arthritis, featuring modern implants like Hintermann H3 for pain-free natural walking motion.

Clinical & Surgical Imaging: Total Ankle Replacement (Hintermann H3) Joint Implant
Clinical Overview & Rationale
Dr Shyam Thakkar is the first orthopaedic surgeon in Pune to perform latest-generation Total Ankle Replacement (Hintermann H3). For patients suffering from severe end-stage ankle osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis, ankle replacement restores fluid movement while avoiding joint fusion.
For severe end-stage ankle arthritis, Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) offers a modern, motion-preserving alternative to traditional ankle joint fusion (arthrodesis).
Dr Shyam Thakkar is a pioneer in Pune for the latest 3rd-generation Hintermann H3 mobile-bearing ankle prosthesis. By replacing worn joint cartilage with anatomical cobalt-chrome and polyethylene components, patients regain fluid walking gait without limping.
Key Surgical Highlights & Techniques
Advanced Surgical Approaches
Hintermann H3 Mobile-Bearing Implant
Provides natural triplanar motion while minimizing shear forces on bone interface.
Computerized Alignment Planning
Precise preoperative sizing ensuring optimal mechanical axis restoration.
Ligament Balancing
Equalizing soft tissue tension around the joint for smooth weight distribution.
Patient Benefits
- Maintains natural walking gait
- Protects adjacent joints from overload
- Substantial pain elimination
Who is a Candidate?
- Severe end-stage ankle osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis following prior ankle fracture
- Patients seeking to preserve natural walking gait and avoid limp
- Sufficient bone density and intact surrounding collateral ligaments
Post-Operative Recovery Timeline
Estimated Total: 6–12 weeks gradual rehabilitationWound Healing
Non-weight bearing in splint, wound inspection at 12 days.
Partial Weight-Bearing
Walking boot usage, gentle range-of-motion flexions.
Full Unassisted Walking
Normal shoes, gait retraining, stationary cycling, swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions — Foot and Ankle Arthritis & Replacement
1. What is foot and ankle arthritis?
Foot and ankle arthritis happens when the joint cartilage wears out, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement.
2. What are the different types of foot and ankle arthritis?
Common types include osteoarthritis, post traumatic ankle arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, midfoot arthritis treatment, and ankle arthritis.
3. What are the symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis?
Symptoms may include pain during walking, morning stiffness, swelling, warmth, reduced motion and difficulty wearing regular shoes.
4. How is foot and ankle arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis for foot and ankle arthritis treatment is usually made through examination and X-rays, with MRI, CT scans or blood tests used in selected cases.
5. Can foot and ankle arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes, many patients benefit from ankle arthritis treatment pune including activity modification, weight management, physiotherapy, orthotics, braces and medications.
6. When is surgery needed for ankle arthritis?
Surgery (ankle arthritis surgery india) is considered when pain and disability become severe despite non-surgical treatment. Options may include arthroscopy, fusion or total ankle replacement.
Dr Shyam Thakkar
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist & Surgeon
International Foot and Ankle Fellow (USA), specializing in keyhole arthroscopy, total ankle replacement, and limb salvage.
ARTICUL8 OPD Clinic Pune
Address: Lane 34/4B, Gulawani Maharaj Road, Opp. IDBI Bank, Erandwane, Pune 411004
Timings: Monday to Friday: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Call Helpline: +91 93240 43623