Aims

This study is a prospective, non-randomized trial for the treatment of fractures of the medial malleolus using lean, bioabsorbable, rare-earth element (REE)-free, magnesium (Mg)-based biodegradable screws in the adult skeleton.

Introduction. Unstable ankle fractures are routinely managed operatively. Due to soft-tissue and implant related complications, there has been recent literature reporting on the non-operative management of well-reduced medial malleolus fractures following fibular stabilisation, but with limited evidence supporting routine application. This trial assessed the superiority of internal fixation of well-reduced (displacement ≤2mm) medial malleolus fractures compared with non-fixation following fibular stabilisation. Methods and participants. Superiority, pragmatic, parallel, prospective randomised clinical trial conducted over a four year period. A total of 154 adult patients with a bi- or trimalleolar fractures were recruited from a single centre. Open injuries and vertical medial malleolar fractures were excluded. Following fibular stabilisation, patients were randomised intra-operatively on a 1:1 basis to fixation or non-fixation after satisfactory fluoroscopic fracture reduction was confirmed. The primary outcome was the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) at one-year post-randomisation. Complications and radiographic outcomes were documented over the follow-up period. Results. Among 154 participants (mean age, 56.5 years; 119 women [77%]), 144 [94%] completed the trial. At one-year the median OMAS was 80 (IQR, 60–90) in the fixation group compared with 72.5 (IQR, 55–90) in the non-fixation group (p=0.17). Complication rates were comparable. Significantly more patients in the non-fixation group developed a radiographic non-union (20% vs 0%; p<0.001), with the majority (n=8/13) clinically asymptomatic and one patient required surgical re-intervention for this. Fracture type and reduction quality appeared to influence fracture union and patient outcome. Conclusions. In this randomised clinical trial comparing internal fixation of well-reduced medial malleolus fractures with non-fixation, following fibular stabilisation, fixation was not superior according to the primary outcome. However, 1 in 5 patients following non-fixation developed a radiographic non-union and whilst the re-intervention rate to manage this was low, the future implications require surveillance. These results may support selective non-fixation of anatomically reduced medial malleolus fractures

Background. Supination-external rotation (SER) injuries make up 80% of all ankle fractures. SER stage 2 injuries (AITFL and Weber B) are considered stable. SER stage 3 injury includes disruption of the posterior malleolus (or PITFL). In SER stage 4 there is either medial malleolus fracture or deltoid injury too. SER 4 injuries have been considered unstable, requiring surgery. The deltoid ligament is a key component of ankle stability, but clinical tests to assess deltoid injury have low specificity. This study specifically investigates the role of the components of the deep deltoid ligament in SER ankle fractures. Aim. To investigate the effect of deep deltoid ligament injury on SER ankle fracture stability. Methods. Four matched pairs (8 specimens) were tested using a standardised protocol. Specimens were sequentially tested for stability when axially loaded with a custom rig with up to 750N. Specimens were tested with: ankle intact; lateral injury (AITFL and Weber B); additional posterior injury (PITFL); additional anterior deep deltoid; additional posterior deep deltoid; lateral side ORIF. Clinical photographs and radiographs were recorded. In addition, dynamic stress radiographs were performed after sectioning the deep deltoid and then after fracture fixation to assess tilt of the talus in eversion. Results. All specimens with an intact posterior deep deltoid ligament were stable when loaded and showed no talar tilt on dynamic assessment. Once the posterior deep deltoid ligament was sectioned there was instability in all specimens. Surgical stabilisation of the lateral side prevented talar shift but not talar tilt. Conclusion. If the posterior deep deltoid ligament is intact SER fractures may be managed without surgery in a plantigrade cast. Without immobilisation the talus may tilt, risking deltoid incompetence

Conventionally, medial malleolus fractures are treated surgically with anatomical reduction and internal fixation using screws. There seems to be no consensus, backed by scientific study on the optimal screw characteristics in the literature. We retrospectively examined case notes and radiographs of 48 consecutive patients taken from our trauma database (21 male, 27 female) with an average age of 50 years (range 16-85) who had undergone medial malleolus fracture fixation with screws at the Royal Free Hospital, London between January 2009 and June 2010. The most commonly used screw was the AO 4.0 mm diameter cancellous partially-threaded screw in 40, 45 and 50 mm lengths (40 mm n = 28, 45 mm n = 26, 50 mm n = 23) with the threads passing beyond the physeal scar in all cases. Incomplete reduction defined as > 1mm fracture displacement was observed on post-operative x-rays in 12 out of 48 cases (25%), all of which relied on partially-threaded screw fixation. In 5 cases where AO 4.0 mm diameter fully-threaded screws engaging the physeal scar had been used, no loss of reduction was observed. This unusual, occasional use of fully-threaded screws prompted us to investigate further using a porcine model and adapted pedo-barographic transducer. We compared pressures generated within the fracture site using AO 4.0 mm partially-threaded cannulated screws, 4.0 mm partially-threaded cancellous screws and 4.0 mm fully-threaded cancellous screws. Fully-threaded cancellous 4.0 mm diameter screws generated almost 3 times the compression of a partially-threaded cancellous screw with superior stability at the fracture. Partially-threaded screws quickly lost purchase, compression and stability particularly when they were cannulated. We also observed that screw thread purchase seemed enhanced in the physeal region. We conclude that fully-threaded cancellous 4.0 mm AO screws are superior to longer partially-threaded screws and that use of cannulated 4.0 mm partially-threaded screws should be avoided in fixation of medial malleolus fractures

Introduction. Among patients with ankle osteoarthritis (OA) a post-traumatic origin is much more frequent than among those with knee or hip OA. However, long-term studies evaluating risk factors for the development of OA after ankle fractures are lacking. Methods. Retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients operated at our institution between 1/1988 and 12/1997 for malleolar fractures treated with open-reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Ankle OA was independently assessed by two reviewers on standardized radiographs using the Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) scale. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors for OA. Results. 374 patients (56% men) underwent ankle surgery during the study period. 9% had a Weber A, 58% a Weber B and 33% a Weber C fracture. Mean age at operation was 42.9 years. 12–22 years after surgery, 47 patients had died, 126 were lost to follow-up, and 99 did not respond or refused to participate. 102 patients were available at follow-up (similar age, gender, BMI and type of fracture than those not seen). Mean follow up was 17.3 years. Advanced OA (K&L 3–4) was present in 37 patients (36.3%). Significant risk factors for advanced OA were: fracture type (Weber C 53% vs. Weber B 31% vs. Weber A 0%, p = 0.006), presence of medial malleolus fracture, fracture-dislocation, increasing BMI, older age, and longer follow-up time. Conclusion. Advanced ankle osteoarthritis is frequent (36%) 12–22 years after a malleolar fracture, especially after Weber C fractures, medial malleolus fractures or fracture-dislocation. Obese and older patients are at increased risk

Introduction and Objective. Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that poorer outcomes could be associated with non-weight bearing protocols and immobilisation. Traditional non-weight bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the complication rate and functional outcomes of early weight-bearing (EWB) versus late weight-bearing (LWB) following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis of controlled trials and comparative cohort studies. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched inclusive of all date up to the search time. We included all studies that investigated the effect of weight-bearing following adults ankle fracture fixation by any means. All ankle fracture types, including isolated lateral malleolus fractures, isolated medial malleolus fractures, bi-malleolar fractures, tri-malleolar fractures and Syndesmosis injuries, were included. All weight-bearing protocols were considered in this review, i.e. immediate weight-bearing (IMW) within 24 hours of surgery, early weight-bearing (EWB) within three weeks of surgery, non-weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks from the surgery date (or late weight-bearing LWB). Studies that investigated mobilisation but not weight-bearing, non-English language publications and tibial Plafond fractures were excluded from this systematic review. We assessed the risk of bias using ROB 2 tools for randomised controlled trials and ROBINS-1 for cohort studies. Data extraction was performed using Covidence online software and meta-analysis by using RevMan 5.3. Results. After full-text review, fourteen studies (871 patients with a mean age ranged from 35 to 57 years) were deemed eligible for this systematic review; ten randomised controlled trials and four comparative cohort studies. Most of the included studies were rated as having some concern with regard to the risk of bias. There is no important difference in the infection rate between protected EWB and LWB groups (696 patients in 12 studies). The risk ratio (RR) is 1.30, [95% CI 0.74 to 2.30], I. 2. = 0%, P = 0.36). Other complications were rare. The Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) was the widely used patient-reported outcome measure after ankle fracture fixation among the studies. The result of the six weeks OMAS analysis (three RCTs) was markedly in favour of the early weight-bearing group (MD = 10.08 [95% CI 5.13 to 15.02], I. 2. = 0%P = <0.0001). Conclusions. The risk of postoperative complications is an essential factor when considering EWB. We found that the overall incidence of surgical site infection was 6%. When comparing the two groups, the incidence was 5.2% and 6.8% for the LWB and EWB groups. This difference is not clinically important. On the other hand, significantly better early functional outcome scores were detected in the EWB group. These results are not without limitations. Protected early weight-bearing following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures is potentially safe and improve short-term functional outcome. Further good-quality randomised controlled trials would be needed before we could draw a more precise conclusion

Most of current literatures advise on thromboprophylaxis with injectable LMWH for trauma patients. Injectable anticoagulants have got inherent problems of pain, bruising and difficulty in administering the drug, which leads to low compliance. Clexane is derived from a pig's intestinal mucosa, hence could be objectionable to certain proportion of patients because of their religious beliefs. Oral anticoagulants have been used as thromboprophylactic agents in hip and knee arthroplasty. However there is not enough literature supporting their use as thromboprophylactic agent in ambulatory trauma patients with ankle fracture being managed non-operatively as out-patient. This study looks into the efficacy of oral anticoagulant in preventing VTE in ambulatory trauma patients requiring temporary lower limb immobilisation for management of ankle fracture. The end point of this study was symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (either proximal or distal) and pulmonary embolism. Routine assessment with a VTE assessment risk proforma for all patients with temporary lower limb immobilisation following lower limb injury requiring plaster cast is done in the fracture clinic at this university hospital. These patients are categorised as low or high risk for a venous thromboembolic event depending on their risk factor and accordingly started on prophylactic dose of oral anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban - Factor Xa inhibitor). Before the therapy is started these patients have a routing blood check, which includes a full blood count and urea and electrolyte. Therapy is continued for the duration of immobilisation. Bleeding risk assessment is done using a proforma based on NICE guideline CG92. If there is any concern specialist haematologist advice is sought. A total of 200 consecutive patients who presented to the fracture clinic with ankle fracture, which was managed in plaster cast non-operatively, were included in this study. They were followed up for three months following injury. This was done by checking these patients’ radiology report including ultrasound and CT pulmonary scan (CTPA) test on hospital's electronic system. Fracture of the lateral malleolus which include Weber-A, Weber-B and Weber-C fractures were included in the study. Also included were bimalleolar fractures and isolated medial malleolus fractures. Complex pilon fractures, polytrauma and paediatric patients were excluded from the study. Only one case of plaster associated isolated distal deep vein (soleal vein) thrombosis was reported in this patient subgroup. There was no incidence of proximal deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. No significant bleeding event was reported. Injectable low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) rather than oral anticoagulant has been recommended by most of the studies and guidelines as main thromboprophylactic agent for lower limb trauma patients

Aim: To assess whether stable undisplaced ankle fractures treated conservatively with a below knee non weight bearing cast ever displace. Methods: Retrospective case notes analysis was performed. Between August 2007 and August 2009, one hundred and twenty one patients sustained a stable undisplaced ankle fracture which was treated conservatively. Their age range was from 16 to 86 years. Male to female ratio was 74:47. The mean number of clinic follow ups was 3.7. These patients were classified according to the Danis-Weber Classification for analysis. Thirty (25%) patients had Weber A1 fractures, seventy two (60%) had Weber B1 fractures, five patients (4%) had Weber B2 fractures, three patients (2%) had Weber C1 fractures, ten patients (8%) had isolated medial malleolus fracture and one patient suffered an isolated posterior malleolus fracture. Results: An average of 4.7 x-rays were performed on each patient from the time of diagnosis to discharge from clinic. None of these fractures displaced on follow up x-rays. Conclusion: Stable undisplaced ankle fractures treated conservatively with a below knee non weight bearing cast do not displace. Hence these patients do not require to be followed up frequently with serial x-rays as they may be exposed to unnecessary harmful radiation and follow up appointments thereby saving time, money and resources

Background. Postoperative pain following (Mobility TM) ankle arthroplasty (AA) is recognised problem. This study aimed to determine pattern of postoperative pain following Ankle arthroplasty (AA). Materials and Methods. In prospective observational study 135 patients who had (AA) and follow-up of 12–36 months were included. AOFAS ankle score, patients' satisfaction, SF36 and diagrammatic mapping of postoperative pain among other parameters were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months, 6 months and the annually. Patients with AOFAS of < 50 with postoperative ankle pain were examined in details. Results. From total of 135 of patients with follow-up of 12 months, (12.5%)17 patients have low AOFAS score and ankle pain, 11(12.5%) of 85 patients with 2 year follow-up and (10.6%),5 of 47 patients with 3 year follow-up. Most of patients with low AOFAS score during first year have improved but 3 patients. Different group patients developed ankle pain during the second and third year. 3 patients of 5, in year 3 follow-up have medial side ankle pain and 2 lateral; similarly there is more medial sided pain during year 2 review (7/11). There is more medial sided pain noticed during first postoperative year as well. Lateral pain seems to relate with subtalar joints problems. Medial side pain is less understandable, it might be due to tension in medial ankle ligaments. Our study showed improvement in AOFAS score and pain relief associated with medial ligaments release or medial malleolus fracture. Conclusion. There are 10–13 % of low AOFAS scores following Ankle Arthroplasty with ankle pain. There are emerging evidences explaining postoperative ankle pain. Further studies are required in this field

Introduction: Mac Farland fracture is a joint fracture of the ankle in children, which involves the medial malleolus (Salter-Harris type III or IV) and is frequently associated with a fracture of the distal fibula. These injuries have a major risk of resulting in a medial epiphysiodesis bridge which, in turn, can lead to a varus deformity. As of today, recommended treatment for displacements wider than 2mm is open reduction with screw fixation. The aim of this study is to evaluate functional and radiological results of a new less invasive surgical procedure. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a case series of patients who suffered from a Mac Farland fracture and underwent percutaneous screw fixation with arthrographic control. Data collected for each child included age at diagnosis, gender, mechanism and side of injury, radiological Salter-Harris classification of medial and lateral malleolus fracture, size of the fracture line gap before and after treatment, and duration of cast immobilization. Results are given according to the classification by Gleizes (2000), based on clinical and radiological criteria: good, fair, and poor. Results: There were twelve patients, five girls and seven boys, with a mean age of twelve years and six months (range: 10–15). Average follow-up was eighteen months (range: 9–57). Medial malleolus fracture was Salter-Harris type III in seven patients and type IV in five. The mean preoperative fracture line gap was 2.7mm (range: 2–4). All the patients underwent closed reduction and ankle arthrography to check for anatomical reposition. The fracture was then percutaneously fixed with two screws in nine patients and one screw in three. Duration of cast immobilization after surgery was forty-five days in average. At the time of last follow-up the functional and radiological results were good for all the patients according to Gleizes’ classification. Conclusion: Closed reduction combined to ankle arthrography followed by percutaneous osteosynthesis is, in our opinion, an interesting less invasive surgical alternative to classic open reduction and internal fixation for displaced Mac Farland fractures

From October 1999 to April 2003, 123 patients (127 ankles) underwent an Agility total ankle replacement. Prospective data were collected preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months after surgery, and thereafter annually, and included the AOFAS Ankle and Hindfoot Scale (AHS), Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Injury and Arthritis Survey (MFA), Visual Analogue Pain Scale, patient satisfaction and standardised radiographs. Fifty-six percent of the operations were performed for post-traumatic degenerative joint disease, 41% for primary degenerative joint disease, 1% for rheumatoid arthritis and 2% for avascular necrosis. At least one previous surgical procedure had been performed on 62% of ankles. In 6% there were intra/perioperative complications, including seven wound problems (one major, six minor), five lateral fractures, one medial malleolus fracture, one bone stock deficiency, one tibial nerve injury, one ankle in varus and one flap necrosis. Late complications included eight syndesmosis nonunions that needed bone grafting, one infection that led to a fusion, one unrelated talar fracture that led to a fusion, and one component subsidence that was revised. There were two patients with progressive varus and two with progressive valgus deformities. One patient underwent a below-knee amputation for chronic infection. Most of the perioperative complications occurred in the first 40 patients. The preoperative AHS of 43 (4 to 70) increased six months postoperatively to 75.45 and to 85 at two years. Patient satisfaction preoperatively was 0.92 out of 5 and 4.2 at two years. Baseline MFA values indicative of severe dysfunction (9.26) showed marked improvement in all parameters at two-year follow-up (21.83). The Agility ankle replacement procedure is technically demanding and there are pitfalls and complications. The early results are promising, but follow-up has not been long enough to permit an objective opinion

The purpose of this study was to review the total ankle arthroplasties performed in consecutive series of 78 ankles and to determine the short-term results in cases with over 12 months follow-up. Preoperative diagnoses were post-traumatic osteoarthritis in 40 ankles (51.3%), primary osteoarthritis in 32 ankles (41.0%), and systemic arthritis in six ankles (7.7%). HINTEGRA. ®. (Newdeal SA, Lyon, France) total ankle system was used in all cases. Fifty-five total ankle arthroplasties including four revision cases, followed up for over 12 months (range, 13~49 months) were included in this study. Ankles were divided into three groups according to the coronal plane deformity in preoperative standing ankle AP radiograph; Varus (≥10°; 20 ankles (39.2%)), neutral (< 10° varus or valgus; 25 ankles (49%)), and valgus (≥10° valgus; 6 ankles (11.8%)). Various additional surgeries were performed simultaneously with the arthroplasty to correct the deformities; deltoid ligament release (25 cases), posterior tibialis tendon lengthening (2 cases), peroneus longus tendon transfer to brevis (5 cases), lateral ankle reconstruction with modified Broström procedure (4 cases), lateral closed-wedge calcaneal osteotomy (3 cases), percutaneous heel cord lengthening (19 cases), and gastrocnemius recession (1 case). In one patient with severe valgus deformity, staged total ankle arthroplasty was conducted after primary triple arthrodesis. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, range of motion (ROM), as well as patient’s satisfaction and willingness to receive the operation again were evaluated The results were compared among the three groups. Serial radiographs were reviewed for any radiological changes. AOFAS score has improved from 54.3 ± 11.4 pre-operatively to 79.2 ± 11.4 at last follow-up. VAS has decreased from 6.8 ± 1.6 to 3.2 ± 1.6. Mean improvement in ROM was 15.6 ± 16.2 degrees. Forty-eight cases (873%) were satisfied with excellent or good results and 49 cases (89.1 %) were willing to receive the operation again. No significant differences in the postoperative VAS (p=0.14), AOFAS score (p=0.79), and ROM (p=0.06) were found among the three groups. Hetero-topic ossifications were observed in 12 cases (23.5%) and periosteal reactions proximal to medial malleolus occurred in four cases (7.8%). Perioperative complications include one intraoperative medial malleolus fracture which was successfully managed with two cannulated-screws, and one medial malleolar stress fracture at six weeks after surgery which has healed spontaneously. One case with osteolysis around tibial screws was managed with bone graft. One case with deep fungal infection was converted to arthrodesis after infection control. Four ankles had to be revised including three cases of polyethylene bearing change due to dislocation, and one case of tibial component and bearing change due to loosening. The patient with revised tibial component was converted to arthrodesis due to recurred loosening. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival rate was 90.9% at 12 months and 87.8% at 49 months postoperatively. The short term clinical results of HINTEGRA ankles showed favorable results. No significant differences were observed among different groups of coronal plane deformities when adequate additional surgeries were performed simultaneously. Long term follow-up study is required

Aims

Posterior malleolar (PM) fractures are commonly associated with ankle fractures, pilon fractures, and to a lesser extent tibial shaft fractures. The tibialis posterior (TP) tendon entrapment is a rare complication associated with PM fractures. If undiagnosed, TP entrapment is associated with complications, ranging from reduced range of ankle movement to instability and pes planus deformities, which require further surgeries including radical treatments such as arthrodesis.

Introduction. We performed a longitudinal outcome study involving the operative management of ankle fractures at two university teaching hospitals. This was a retrospective review of the quality of reduction and a prospective study into the functional outcome. Methods. All patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation of the ankle between November 2006 and November 2007 at one centre, and January to December 2009 at the other were included. Adequacy of reduction was assessed on the initial post-operative radiographs using Pettrone's criterion. The post-operative functional outcome was recorded using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), completed by postal or telephone follow-up at 64 months post injury (60–74 months). Results. There were 261 patients in the cohort, with a mean age of 47 years (17–91). Weber B fractures were sustained in 193 patients compared to 68 Weber C fractures. The medial malleolus was fractured in 43 cases, and a large posterior malleolar fragment (>20%) was found in 13 cases. Malreduction of the Weber B cohort was identified in 61 ankles (31%): Malreduction of the Weber C cohort was identified in 25 cases (37%): At time of follow-up 26 patients were not traceable or had died. Of the surviving 235 patients, 139 responded to the LEFS questionnaire (60%). The mean LEFS was 58 (out of 80) in the Weber B cohort and 61 in the Weber C cohort. Significantly lower LEFS were found in patients who had a malreduction in 2 or more criteria. Conclusion. Our study shows that there is high incidence of malreduction in the operative treatment of ankle fractures which leads to a significantly poorer functional outcome. We strongly recommend that adequate care and supervision are used in theatre together with post-operative independent review of intra-operative fluoroscopy images

Purpose. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the usefulness of a gravity stress view in detecting instability in isolated Weber B fractures of the fibula. Materials and methods. We used a standard protocol for patient selection, exclusion, surgery/conservative management and follow-up. Open fractures, fracture dislocations, those with medial/posterior malleolus fractures and those with preliminary X-rays showing a talar shift/tilt were excluded. If the medial clear space increased beyond 4mm on stress radiographs, surgical reduction and fixation of the lateral malleolus was performed. If this remained 4mm or less conservative treatment was undertaken. We followed these patients at 2, 4, 6 and 12 weekly intervals. Results. We recruited 18 patients with isolated Weber B fractures. In 7 patients the medial clear space increased from 4mm to an average of 6.29 mm (Range 5-7mm). 6 of these 7 patients were operated. The medial clear space remained 4mm or less in the remaining 11 patients and were therefore managed conservatively. No complications were noted in either the surgical or the non-surgical group. None of the conservatively managed fractures showed radiological features of instability on follow up. All the 17 patients who were followed up in our hospital had excellent final AOFAS Scores. Conclusion. We conclude that gravity stress views are useful in determining the stability of Weber B fractures of the ankle

Purpose: To describe the first 22 cases of Total Ankle Replacement (TAA) performed by the same team. The learning curve and the complications due to technical problems or medical problems are discussed. Patients : 22 patients underwent TAA during the last two and half years in our department. There were 6 males and 7 females. The average age was 63 ranging from 22 –79 years old. 11 patients developed osteoarthritis after trauma to the ankle, 9 had primary osteoarthritis and 2 patients suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Results: The average time of operation was 111 minutes (range 148–90) and 12 patients were operated under general anesthesia and the rest had spinal epidural anesthesia. During the operations the medial malleolus was fractured three times and one patient had fracture of the lateral malleolus fixated with KW. In two patients Achilles lengthening was performed as well. There was fracture of the posterior lip of the tibia during insertion of the tibial component in one patient. All the patients recovered with no primary wound healing problem. There was deep infection after 6 weeks in one patient who was treated by drainage debridment of synovium and recovered uneventfully. One patient had synovitis 6 months after the operation and underwent synovectomy proved to be non infected. One patient still had pain after a year after the operation and x ray disclosed medial talar osteophyte which had to be resected and one patient progressed to subtalar arthritis and had to be fused. The same patient had superficial nerve neuralgia as well and the nerve was resected at the same procedure. Altogether there were five fractures during the insertion, 2 late operations and one deep infection. The average follow up was two years (ranging from 7 months to 30 months). The patients had free painless ankle range of motion of 40 degrees and could walk few hundreds meters without pain. All the patients were satisfied from the procedure except for one patient with the medial talar osteophyte. Clinical relevance: The outcome of TAA is good and leads to high satisfaction from the patients. However it is demanding procedure and has long learning curve with high rate of technical complications which can be overcome leading to complete recovery