<p class="source">Source - <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> MarketWatch</a></p><p>Arthritic hips and knees are replaced all the time--but did you know that arthritic ankles can also be replaced? In fact, ankle replacements in the U.S. more than doubled last year, thanks in part to technological advances in ankle implants (prostheses). Surgeons are discussing this burgeoning procedure at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) in San Antonio, Texas.</p><p>Total ankle replacement surgery--also called ankle arthroplasty--involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint. The procedure greatly improves function for people who cannot perform everyday activities without experiencing severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, osetoarthritis and previous injuries are the most common causes of this pain.</p><p class="hr"></p>