Abstract
Introduction
With increasing numbers of primary total ankle replacements being performed, the number of revision ankle surgeries is expected to rise also. We present the results of the revision procedures for failed Scandinavian total ankle replacements.
Patients and methods
We retrospectively reviewed all the Scandinavian TAR done by the senior author from March 1999 till Jan 2006. Patients who underwent revision surgery were identified and their data was collected including indications for revision surgery, procedure performed, symptoms and the overall outcome.
Results
25 patients underwent revision of Scandinavian TARs between April 2000 and April 2012 out off a total of 213 primary STARs (11%). Average age was 68 years (45 to 82), with male to female ratio of 4:1. The causes of failure of primary implants included broken polyethylene inserts in 12 patients, aseptic loosening in 6 and ankle instability in 7 patients. No septic loosening was found in any of our patients.
Revision procedures which were performed in these patients included exchange of inserts in 13 patients, revision of all components in 2, revision of tibial component in 3, talar component in 2 and ankle arthrodesis with hindfoot nail in 4 and with ilizarov frame in 1 patient. The average time from the primary procedure to revision surgery was 78 months (12 to 156). The average follow up after revision surgery was 26.5 months (2 to 57). Four patients have died. Two patients were symptomatic with mild pain and stiffness while the rest are asymptomatic after their revision surgery.
Conclusion
In our study the mechanical failure was found to be the most common cause of failure of Scandinavian TARs. The outcome of revision surgery has been found to be satisfactory and comparable to other series that is reported in the literature.
