Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi · Identified Jun 20, 2026Medium impact
Total Ankle Replacement
Total ankle replacement using an FDA-approved device may be considered medically necessary in skeletally mature patients with moderate to severe ankle (tibiotalar) pain that limits daily activity and who have arthritis in adjacent joints (subtalar or midfoot), severe arthritis or arthrodesis of the contralateral ankle, or inflammatory (e.g., rheumatoid) arthritis. Total ankle replacement is considered investigational for all other indications. Absolute contraindications include extensive avascular necrosis of the talar dome, compromised bone stock or soft tissue, severe malalignment (e.g., >15 degrees) not correctable by surgery, active ankle joint infection, peripheral vascular disease, and Charcot neuroarthropathy.