The ankle replacement is being done in only a few places in the country. It is relatively new, and in trials in Methodist hospital in Ohio. Of course I wrote to them asking about this proceedure. I don't have much hope of staying on my feet long term without the surgery. I wrote to the doctor who is doing this surgery. I currently am reaseaching into other hospitals and teaching facilities who may be doing this replacement on the ankles. My neighbor crushed her foot when I was living near Chicago, all they did for her was to pin it back together, which is more or less what they do now, because this surgery is so new. Hips and other joints have been around for awhile. Since the ankle supports weight differently than the hips, and there are more bones involved, the complication is higher. At least that is my understanding so far. Yep google is my friend. thanks doc. ginnie