I had a total ankle replacement at Duke in October 2007. My new ankle, a Salto Talaris, was installed by James DeOrio, MD, and I knew at some point during those initial three weeks post-op in the big cast when I was "toes above the nose" that this surgery was going to be very good. And, it has been.

Gay Wiley ShookI was pain-free and on no pain meds after about 11 days.
 
Today, at nearly four years post-op, I continue to do well. My gait is so normal that no one would ever guess my ankle is not the original one! I am respectful of my new ankle and do not engage in any impact activities that might damage it in any way.

Dr. DeOrio tells me that I have about 50 percent mobility in my replaced ankle, but I certainly do not miss the other 50 percent that I apparently do not have. I am able to do everything I want to do with no pain and no cane!
 
I wrote about this miraculous procedure in my online column after my surgery and was subsequently contacted by others around the country who had recently had the total ankle replacement procedure also. 

We formed a support network called the Blessed Ankles, and we are now located coast to coast. Feel free to contact us through our Web site. It is very comforting to be able to communicate with others who have been there and done that!