New Ankle, Same Passions: How Liz Got a Second Chance

For Liz, the road to recovery began decades before her recent total ankle replacement with Barton Health’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Paul Ryan. In 1979, a motorcycle accident left her with a compound tibia fracture. Doctors weren’t optimistic, and she was told she might never walk again. But she walked. She hiked. She skied. She even works in the ski industry to this day, a career path she started in the early ‘90s.

Still, the injury left her bow-legged, and over 44 years of active living, the misalignment took its toll. “It was osteoarthritis,” Liz says. “It crept up slowly but eventually stopped me from doing the things I loved—especially hiking.”

As an avid motorcyclist and recreational hiker and skier, Liz faced several orthopedic issues over the years, including ACL and MCL injuries, which she managed nonsurgically with the help of the team at Barton Health. But by 2021, her ankle pain had reached a point where her passions were no longer possible.

Liz received the recommendation to see Barton’s foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Paul Ryan.

“I pulled up my pant leg, and he took one look and said, ‘I know what to do,’” Liz recalls with a laugh. Dr. Ryan explained her options: an ankle fusion or a total ankle replacement. After consideration, Liz was ready to tackle the entire problem with replacement.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

According to Dr. Ryan, Liz’s case is a classic example of post-traumatic osteoarthritis—the most common form of osteoarthritis. “When there’s a prior fracture that alters the alignment of a joint, it can significantly increase the chance of developing arthritis later on,” he explains.

Before moving to surgery, conservative options like braces, injections, and activity modifications are typically explored. But when those no longer provide relief, patients like Liz may be candidates for either a fusion or a joint replacement—depending on their alignment, health status, and activity goals.

“In Liz’s case, we were able to correct her alignment and replace her ankle in a single surgery,” Dr. Ryan says.

Prepared to Recover

Despite the long surgery, Liz was discharged the next day. She spent the next eight weeks partial weight-bearing in a boot and on crutches, giving her new ankle time to heal.

A naturally active person, Liz tackled her rehabilitation with determination. She trained beforehand on a stationary bike, stayed physically fit, and brought that momentum into her post-op care. She worked closely with the Barton Rehabilitation (physical therapy) team, and even added pool exercises thanks to a friend with a swimming pool.

“When I was told to do three sets of eight, I did four,” Liz said with a smile. “The Alter G treadmill, hydrotherapy, everything helped. Barton’s team was just incredible.”

Return to an Active Lifestyle

Two years out, Liz is back to hiking once a week and cycling regularly. She has returned to skiing, too. “You don’t have to live with osteoarthritis,” she says. “You just have to be ready. A lot of the recovery is mental—believing your body wants to be well, eating right, following instructions.”

Ankle replacements aren’t just for those looking for pain relief—they can also be a path back to an active lifestyle. While some patients may need a secondary procedure within the first decade to maintain joint motion, actual revisions of the implant are less common.

With strong confidence in her care team and a positive mindset, Liz has resumed many of the activities she once feared she might lose forever. She says staying mentally strong, physically prepared, and committed to rehabilitation made all the difference.

“I was confident in Dr. Ryan and the Barton team,” she says. “And I’m so glad I did it. I’m doing what I love again.”

Paul Ryan, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic physician with Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, specializing in comprehensive foot and ankle surgical care. For more information, visit BartonHealth.org or call 530.543.5554 to schedule an appointment.