Background: The purpose of the present study was to report the perioperative complications that occurred among the initial 50 consecutive cases of HINTEGRA total ankle replacement. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 50 cases composed of 30 men and 18 women of average age 57 years. Perioperative complications were used to compare the first 25 cases (Group A) with the subsequent 25 (Group B). Results: Perioperative complications occurred in 15 cases (60%) in Group A but in only five (20%) in Group B. No major wound complications requiring a soft-tissue coverage procedure were encountered. Minor wound complications occurred in three cases in each group, and resolved with skin grafting or topical dressing changes. One deep infection occurred in Group A, which required implant removal and antibiotic impregnated spacer prior to revision TAR. Four patients sustained intraoperative malleolus fractures in Group A, but only one in Group B. Coronal malposition of the tibial component occurred in three cases in Group A and in two in Group B. Sagittally increased slope of the tibial component occurred in two cases in only Group B and sagittal malposition of the talar component occurred in two cases in only Group A. There were 7 instances of anterior translation of the talar component with respect to the tibial component; four in Group A and three in Group B. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that TAR has a steep learning curve. Moreover, knowledge of the perioperative complications of TAR may reduce the incidence of potential complications

Introduction. Total ankle replacement as a valid treatment for end stage ankle arthritis, is gaining popularity and every year there is an increasing number of procedures. With revision rates as high as 21% at 5 years and 43% at 10 years there is a need for understanding and reporting the outcome of revision ankle replacement. Our aim was to study the patient reported outcomes following revision TAR with a minimum of 2 year follow up. Methods. All patients that underwent a revision total ankle replacement between 2012 and 2016 were included in the study. All patients received a post-operative questionnaire comprising of MOX-FQ score, EQ-5D (UK) and Foot and Ankle outcomes scores (FAOS) and patients satisfaction questionnaire with a minimum of 2 years follow up. Results. 33 patients had a revision total ankle replacement between 2012 and 2016. 2 patients were deceased therefore 31 patients were included in the study. 4 patients declined participation for completing questionnaires. We received 15/27 (55.5%) completed questionnaires. The mean MOX-FQ average domain score for pain was (50.6 ± 26.9), walking/standing (62.4 ± 36.5) and social function was (43.7± 31.0). The mean FAOS scores were (52.5 ± 30.6; pain), (54.5 ± 29.2; symptoms), (62.1 ± 30.5; ADL) and (35.5 ± 28.2; for quality of life). The mean overall health score today for EQ-5D was 73.9/100. 50% of patients were satisfied with the pain relief and return to sports and recreation obtained following the operation, 57% were satisfied with the improved in daily activities. 78.5% were overall satisfied with the results from surgery. Conclusion. Revision total ankle replacement gives overall satisfactory results demonstrated from patients reported outcomes at a minimum of 2 years following surgery

Aim. Surgical options for management of a failed ankle arthroplasty are currently limited; typically conversion to fusion is recommended with only a few patients being considered for revision replacement surgery. This paper presents our experience of revision ankle replacements in a cohort of patients with failed primary replacements. Method. A total of 18 revision TAR in 17 patients were performed in patients with aseptic loosening. The technique was performed by a single surgeon (CSK) over a 4 year period between July 2014 and August 2018 using the Inbone total ankle replacement system. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes were collected retrospectively using - MOXFQ, EQ5D, VAS pain score and patient satisfaction questionnaires. Results. 12 right and 6 left ankle replacements were revised in 17 patients (11 male/ 6 female). The mean age at revision was 69.1 years (range 56–81 years) with a mean BMI of 31. The mean surgical time was 171 minutes with 22% of cases requiring bone grafting. 6 patients had early wound complications, all superficial and settled with dressings. There were no deep infections, 2 patients had further surgery for exploration for possible nerve injuries. At a mean follow up of 20.6 months, 4 patients had mild/moderate ongoing pain with the majority of patients being satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. Conclusion. This study represents one of the largest group of patients reported to have undergone revision total ankle arthroplasty. Our experience shows that this results in acceptable level of complications and provides satisfactory function in most patients. We feel revision TAR is a viable option in patients with failed primary arthroplasty who wish to continue to maintain mobility at the ankle joint

Introduction. Day Case Surgery (defined as same day discharge) is a priority within the National Health Service and has been shown to provide beneficial outcomes for patients and hospitals. We report our experience developing a Day Case Programme for Total Ankle Replacement (TAR). Methods. Prior to the introduction of a Day Case Programme, average length of stay following TAR in our unit was 3.5 days. Stakeholders were consulted about ways in which same day discharge could be facilitated. Patients' post-operative pain charts were reviewed prior to the introduction of this programme. Inclusion criteria included non-complex surgery (anticipated tourniquet < 2hrs), friend or relative support and pre-operative walking-aid assessment. An enhanced recovery protocol included long-acting popliteal block and dexamethasone. Patients were discharged with opiate analgesia and written pain instructions. Patients were asked to complete a pain and satisfaction questionnaire. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were recorded. Results. From September 2017 to April 2019 21 of 70 patients underwent TAR as a Day Case. Mean age was 67 years (43-85 years). Complications included two delayed wound healings and one representation on day three with urinary retention. No patients reported post-operative nausea or vomiting, 60% did not use Oramorph at home. Average Visual Analogue Score for pain was 23/100 on day one and 21/100 day three post-operatively. There was no significant difference in pre-operative or overall change in MOXFQ, VAS or EQ5D PROMS. Conclusions. Early results suggest that Day Case Total Ankle Replacements are safe. Appropriate patient selection is necessary. Day Case Surgery relies on support and communication between multiple teams to organise and run effectively

Introduction: We present the results of the Ankle Evolution System (AES) total ankle replacements with a minimum follow up of four years. Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients who had AES ankle replacement were included in the study. The mean age at operation was 64.6 (50–77). Pain and function were assessed using the AOFAS score. Patients had standardised AP and lateral weight bearing radiographs and were assessed for loosening and alignment. Patients’ satisfaction and complications were recorded. The survival of the implant was constructed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Results: The mean follow up for our patients who were alive and available for follow up at the final clinical review (40 patients) was 57.8 months (48–80). A total of 2 patients were revised (One patient sustained talar fracture and was converted to arthrodesis at three years postoperatively. The second patient had revision of the tibial component because of aseptic loosening at 4 years postoperatively). The mean total AOFAS score was 88.1 (53–100). For pain the mean score was 35.8 (20–40). Nine patients showed osteolysis only 2 were considered as significant. Those patients had minimal symptoms that were not progressing and further surgery was not justified. Ten patients presented with edge loading of which nine had corrective surgery. Our cohort showed high patients’ satisfaction. Our cumulative survival rate at 6 years was 94.7% with revision or decision to revise as the endpoint. Conclusion: The medium term results of the mobile AES total ankle replacement in terms of survivorship, functional outcome and patients’ satisfaction are satisfactory but we have our concerns about the high rate of osteolysis. The long-term benefit of this procedure has yet to be determined

Introduction. Total ankle replacement (TAR) is performed for post-traumatic arthritis, inflammatory arthropathy, osteoarthritis and other indications. The Scottish Arthroplasty Project (SAP) began collection of data on TAR in 1997. In this study, using data from the SAP, we look at trends in the use and outcomes of TAR in Scotland. Methods. We identified 499 patients from the SAP who underwent TAR between 1997 and 2015 with imaging available on the National Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). We identified, and looked at trends in, implant type over the following time periods: 1998–2005; 2006–2010 and 2011–2015. Age, gender, indication and outcomes for each time period were examined and also trends with implant type over time. Results. There were 499 primary TAR procedures with an overall incidence of 0.5/10. 5. population per year. Eight different implants were identified with significant changes in the numbers of each type used over time. The peak incidence of TAR was in the 6th decade. The mean age of patients undergoing TAR from 59 years in 1997–2005, to 65 years in 2011–15 (p< 0.0001). The percentage of patients with inflammatory arthropathy was 52% in 1997–2005, compared with 10% in 2011–2015. Subsequent arthrodesis and infection rates appeared to be higher during the first time period. The female to male ratio also changed over time. The incidence of TAR increased overall during the study period (r= 0.9, p=< 0.0001). This may be due to a broadening range of indications and patient selection criteria, in turn due to increased surgeon experience and the evolution of implant design. Conclusion. This study examines a large number of TARs from an established arthroplasty registry. The rate of TAR has increased significantly in Scotland from 1997 to 2015. Indication and patient age has changed over time and this could potentially impact outcomes after ankle replacement

Background. The importance of total ankle replacement (TAR) implant orientation in the axial plane is poorly understood with major variation in surgical technique of implants on the market. Our aims were to better understand the axial rotational profile of patients undergoing TAR. Methods. In 157 standardised CT Scans of end-stage ankle arthritis patients planning to undergo primary TAR surgery, we measured the relationship between the knee posterior condylar axis, the tibial tuberosity, the transmalleolar axis(TMA) and the tibiotalar angle. The foot position was measured in relation to the TMA with the foot plantigrade. The variation between medial gutter line and the line bisecting both gutters was assessed. Results. The mean external tibial torsion was 34.5±10.3°(11.8–62°). When plantigrade the mean foot position relative to the TMA was 21±10.6°(0.7–38.4°) internally rotated. As external tibial torsion increased, the foot position became more internally rotated relative to the TMA(pearson correlation 0.6;p< 0.0001). As the tibiotalar angle became more valgus, the foot became more externally rotated relative to the TMA(pearson correlation −0.4;p< 0.01). The mean difference between the medial gutter line and a line bisecting both gutters was 4.9±2.8°(1.7°-9.4°). More than 51% of patients had a difference greater than 5°. The mean angle between the medial gutter line and a line perpendicular to the TMA was 7.5°±2.6°(2.8°-13.7°). Conclusion. There is a large variation in rotational profile of patients undergoing TAR, particularly between the medial gutter line and the transmalleolar axis. Surgeon designers and implant manufacturers need to develop consistent methods to guide surgeons towards judging appropriate axial rotation of their implanton an individual basis. We recommend careful clinical assessment and CT scanspre-operatively to enable the correct rotation to be determined

Introduction. Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly popular treatment option for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. However, for most implant systems, failure rates of 10–20% have been reported within the first 10 years after primary TAA. Pain is the primary symptom that indicates failure of TAA but cause of it can be difficult to establish. Methods. All patients who underwent a primary TAA at our center were included in the study. The clinical outcomes were studied for patients requiring a further revision procedure following primary TAA. The reasons for revision surgery and outcomes of surgery were analyzed using appropriate inferential statistical tests. Results. Between 2007 and 2018, 42 primary TAA required revisions in 40 patients. There were 25 men (59.5%) and 15 women (35.7%) with mean age of 57.5 years the time of primary TAA. All patients had undergone primary procedure at a mean duration of 3.5 years previously (range: 3 months to 10 years). Of the total revision procedures, 12/40 (30%) of revisions were carried out due to malalignment, 10/42 (23.8%) due to loosening of the implants or bone subsidence, 5/42 procedures (11.9%) following infection, 4/42 (9.5%) due to polyethylene migration, 1/42 (2.3%) due to fracture and 1/42 (2.3%) due to Charcot arthropathy. In 9/42 (21.4%) cases, imaging showed no objective reason for pain. 50% of patients who underwent revision TAA reported 78.5% satisfaction with results of surgery at 2 years follow up post-operatively. Conclusion. Major reasons for revising primary TAR at our centre are mal-alignment, implant loosening / bone subsidence and suspicion of infection and pain. In-spite of undergoing a complex revision surgery, patients report 78.5% satisfaction from outcomes of surgery

Aims. Retrospective review of a consecutive series of 1,168 total ankle replacements (TAR) performed at Wrightington, to analyse modes of failure and clinical outcomes following TAR failure. Methods. All patients undergoing TAR between November 1993 – June 2019 were collated (4–25 year follow-up; mean 13.7 years). 6 implants were used (300 STAR, 100 Buechal Pappas, 509 Mobility, 118 Zenith, 41 Salto and 100 Infinity). 5 surgeons, all trained in TAR, performed the surgery. Modes of failure were collated and clinical and radiological outcomes recorded for the revisional surgery following failure of the TAR. Results. 156 (13.4%) TARs failed (47STAR 15.6%, 16BP 16%, 77Mobility 15.1%, 6Salto 14.6%, 10Zenith 8.5% and 0Infinity 0%). Mean time to failure 5.8 years (0.1- 21.4 years). The 4 most common modes of failure were 44.9% aseptic loosening, 11.5% gutter pain, 10.9% infection and 10.3% recurrent edge loading. 50 underwent conversion to tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion with nail with 9 (18%) failing to fuse. 31 underwent revision TAR with 2 (6.5%) subsequently failed. 22 underwent ankle fusion with 10 (45%) failing to fuse. 21 underwent polyethylene exchange of which 8 (38%) had further poly failure. 20 (12.8%) were managed conservatively, 2 (1.3%) required below knee amputation and 6 were listed but lost to follow-up. 81 of the 1168 (7%) consecutive cohort were lost to follow-up. Conclusions. 13.4% of the TAR cohort have failed at average follow-up 13.7 years. There was no difference in failure modes across the implant designs. Whilst the fixed bearing has the shortest follow-up, it may be performing better as there have been no failures so far. Prior to October 2016, most revisions were to fusion (TTC 18% failure rate, ankle 45% failure rate), whereas post 2016, 57% patients elected for revision TAR (6.5% failure)

Despite advancements, revision rates following total ankle replacement (TAR) are high in comparison to other total joint replacements. This explant analysis study aimed to investigate whether there was appreciable metal particulate debris release from various contemporary TARs by describing patterns of material loss. Twenty-eight explanted TARs (9 designs: 3 fixed and 6 mobile bearing), revised for any reason, were studied. The articulating surfaces of the metal tibial and talar components as well as the polyethylene insert were assessed for damage features using light microscopy. Based on the results of the microscopic analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was performed to determine the composition of embedded debris identified, as well as non-contacting 3D profilometry. Pitting, indicative of material loss, was identified on the articulating surfaces of 54% of tibial components and 96% of talar components. Bearing constraint was not found to be a factor, with similar proportions of fixed and mobile bearing metal components showing pitting. More cobalt-chromium than titanium alloy tibial components exhibited pitting (63% versus 20%). Significantly higher average surface roughness (Sa) values were measured for pitted areas in comparison to unpitted areas of these metal components (p<0.05). Additionally, metallic embedded debris (cobalt-chromium likely due to pitting of the tibial and talar components or titanium likely from loss of their porous coatings) was identified in 18% of polyethylene inserts. The presence of hard 3. rd. body particles was also indicated by macroscopically visible sliding plane scratching, identified on 79% of talar components. This explant analysis study demonstrates that metal debris is released from the articulating surfaces and the coatings of various contemporary TARs, both fixed and mobile bearing. These findings suggest that metal debris release in TARs may be an under-recognised issue that should be considered in the study of painful or failed TAR moving forwards

There is limited literature on the effects of socioeconomic factors on outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). In the setting of hip or knee arthroplasty, patients of a lower socioeconomic status demonstrate poorer post-operative satisfaction, longer lengths of stay, and larger functional limitations. It is important to ascertain whether this phenomenon is present in ankle arthritis patients. This is the first study to address the weight of potential socioeconomic factors in affecting various socioeconomic classes, in terms of how they benefit from ankle arthroplasty. This is retrospective cohort study of 447 patients who underwent a TAA. Primary outcomes included pre-operative and final follow-up AAOS pain, AAOS disability, and SF-36 scores. We then used postal codes to determine median household income using Canadian 2015 census data. Incomes were divided into five groups based on equal amounts over the range of incomes. This method has been used to study medical conditions such as COPD and cardiac disease. These income groups were then compared for differences in outcome measures. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test. A total of 447 patients were divided into quintiles by income. From lowest income to highest income, the groups had 54, 207, 86, 64, and 36 patients, respectively. The average time from surgery to final follow up was 85.6 months. Interestingly, we found that patients within the middle household income groups had significantly lower AAOS disability scores compared to the lowest income groups at final follow-up (26.41 vs 35.70, p=0.035). Furthermore, there was a trend towards middle income households and lower post-operative AAOS pain scores compared to the lowest income group (19.57 vs 26.65, p=0.063). There was also a trend toward poorer AAOS disability scores when comparing middle income groups to high income groups post-operatively (26.41 vs 32.27, p=0.058). Pre-operatively, patients within the middle-income group had more pain, compared to the lowest and the highest income groups. No significant differences in SF-36 scores were observed. There were no significant differences seen in middle income groups compared to the highest income group for AAOS pain post-operatively. There were no significant differences found in pre-operative AAOS disability score between income groups. Patients from middle income groups who have undergone TAA demonstrate poorer function and possibly more pain, compared to lower and higher income groups. This suggests that TAA is a viable option for lower socioeconomic groups and should not be a source of discouragement for surgeons. In this circumstance there is no real disparity between the rich and the poor. Further investigation is needed to explore reasons for diminished performance in middle class patients

Varus ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is typically associated with peritalar instability, which may result in altered subtalar joint position. This study aimed to determine the extent to which total ankle replacement (TAR) in varus ankle OA can restore the subtalar position alignment using 3-dimensional semi-automated measurements on WBCT. Fourteen patients (15 ankles, mean age 61) who underwent TAR for varus ankle OA were retrospectively analyzed using semi- automated measurements of the hindfoot based on pre-and postoperative weightbearing WBCT (WBCT) imaging. Eight 3-dimensional angular measurements were obtained to quantify the ankle and subtalar joint alignment. Twenty healthy individuals were served as a control groups and were used for reliability assessments. All ankle and hindfoot angles improved between preoperative and a minimum of 1 year (mean 2.1 years) postoperative and were statistically significant in 6 out of 8 angles (P<0.05). Values The post-op angles were in a similar range to as those of healthy controls were achieved in all measurements and did not demonstrated statistical difference (P>0.05). Our findings indicate that talus repositioning after TAR within the ankle mortise improves restores the subtalar position joint alignment within normal values. These data inform foot and ankle surgeons on the amount of correction at the level of the subtalar joint that can be expected after TAR. This may contribute to improved biomechanics of the hindfoot complex. However, future studies are required to implement these findings in surgical algorithms for TAR in prescence of hindfoot deformity

Background. The literature on the outcome of revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) remains limited. We aim to report the clinical and radiological outcomes of revision TAA at a high-volume centre in the UK. Methods. Retrospective review of 28 patients that underwent 29 revision TAA procedures using INBONE II prosthesis. Demographic, radiological, and patient reported outcome measures data were analysed. Results. The mean (range) duration from primary TAA to revision was 87.5 (16–223) months. The main indication for the revision was aseptic loosening of the primary TAA (82.8%). Additional procedures were required in 75.9% of patients. At mean (range) follow-up of 40 (24- 60) months, the infection, re-operation, and implant survival rates were 6.9%, 6.9% and 96.5% respectively. A significant postoperative improvement in the component alignment radiographic measures was observed. Osteolysis, subsidence, loosening and heterotopic ossification rates were comparable to other reports and did not influence the clinical outcome. A significant improvement was observed in the MOXFQ (all domains) and the EQ-5D (three domains) at 24 months postoperatively. Conclusions. Revision TAA using INBONE II was associated with good short-term survival and improvement in the postoperative scores at 2 years. Maintenance of the postoperatively improved alignment was documented at follow up. The relatively high survival rate in this series supports the notion that revision TAA is a satisfactory option for failed primary TAA

Total ankle replacement (TAR) is performed for inflammatory arthropathy, osteoarthritis and other indications. The Scottish Arthroplasty Project (SAP) began collection of data on TAR in 1998. In this study, we look at trends in the use and outcomes of TAR in Scotland. We identified patients from the SAP who underwent TAR between 1998 and 2015 with imaging available on the National Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). We identified, and examined trends in implant type over the following time periods: 1998–2005; 2006–2010 and 2011–2015. Age, gender, indication, outcomes and trends in implants used for each time period were examined. There were 499 primary TAR procedures with an overall incidence of 0.5/105 population per year. Eight implants were identified with significant changes in the numbers of each type used over time. The peak incidence of TAR was in the 6th decade and mean age of patients increased from 59 years in 1998–2005, to 65 years in 2011–15 (p<0.0001). The percentage of patients with inflammatory arthropathy was 49% in 1998–2005, compared with 10% in 2011–2015. Arthrodesis and infection rates appeared to be higher during the first time period. The male to female ratio changed over time. The incidence of TAR increased overall during the study period (r= 0.9, p=<0.0001). This study examines a large number of TARs from an established arthroplasty registry. The rate of TAR has increased significantly in Scotland from 1998 to 2015. Indications and patient age have changed over time and could impact outcomes after ankle replacement

Preoperative talar valgus deformity increases the technical difficulty of total ankle replacement (TAR) and is associated with an increased failure rate. Deformity of ≥15° has been reported to be a contraindication to arthroplasty. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the operative procedures and clinical outcomes of TAR for treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis were comparable for patients with preoperative talar valgus deformity of ≥15° as compared to those with <15°. We will describe the evolving surgical technique being utilized to tackle these challenging cases. Fifty ankles with preoperative coronal-plane tibiotalar valgus deformity of ≥15° “valgus” group) and 50 ankles with valgus deformity of <15° (“control” group) underwent TAR. The cohorts were similar with respect to demographics and components used. All TARs were performed by a single surgeon. The mean duration of clinical follow-up was 5.5 years (minimum two years). Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements of coronal-plane deformity, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores and Short Form (SF)-36 scores were prospectively recorded. All ancillary (intraoperative) and secondary procedures, complications and measurements were collected. The AOS pain and disability subscale scores decreased significantly in both groups. The improvement in AOS and SF-36 scores did not differ significantly between the groups at the time of the final follow-up. The valgus group underwent more ancillary procedures during the index surgery (80% vs 26%). Tibio-talar deformity improved significantly toward a normal weight-bearing axis in the valgus group. Secondary postoperative procedures were more common in the valgus group (36%) than the controls (20%). Overall, re-operation was not associated with poorer patient outcome scores. Metal component revision surgery occurred in seven patients (three valgus and four controls). These revisions included two deep infections (2%), one in each group, which were converted to hindfoot fusions. Therefore, 94% of the valgus group retained their original components at final follow-up. Thus far, this is the largest reported study that specifically evaluates TAR with significant preoperative valgus alignment, in addition to having the longest follow-up. Satisfactory midterm results were achieved in patients with valgus mal-alignment of ≥15°. The valgus cohort required more procedures during and after their TAR, as well as receiving more novel techniques to balance their TAR. Whilst longer term studies are needed, valgus coronal-plane alignment of ≥15° should not be considered an absolute contraindication to TAR if the associated deformities are addressed

This study evaluates patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) scores after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in matched cohorts, while simultaneously evaluating implant survivorship and 90-day hospital utilization. It is hypothesized that while both procedures would yield similar PROMIS score improvements, THA would demonstrate superior mid-term implant survivorship. Primary THA and TAA patients from 2015–2022 with minimum one-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. After applying exclusion criteria, 2,092 THAs and 478 TAAs were included for analysis. Demographics, pre- and post-operative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), revision surgeries, ED visits, and re-admissions were collected. THA and TAA patients were then propensity score matched at 2:1 ratio for age, sex, race, BMI, ASA, and comorbidities, resulting in a final cohort of 844 THAs and 455 TAAs for comparison. There were similar pre-operative PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) scores between THA and TAA, with both showing improvement at six weeks. However, THA patients exhibited lower PI scores at one year (53.0 versus 54.0; p=0.009). Pre-operative PROMIS Physical Function (PF) was worse in THA patients but showed greater improvement compared to TAA patients at both six weeks (p<0.001) and one year (p<0.001). Pre-operative PROMIS depression scores were similar and improved similarly in both groups. Joint-specific PROMs (HOOS for THA and FAAM for TAA) improved in both cohorts. THA demonstrated superior survivorship free of all-cause revision at five years compared to TAA (95% versus 77%; p<0.0001). Patients undergoing THA or TAA experienced significant improvements in their general and joint-specific PROMs post-operatively. However, patients undergoing THA demonstrated higher PROMIS PI and PF scores at one-year when compared to TAA, as well as improved survivorship. Generic PRO instruments enable comparison of medical treatments in different anatomic sites to the patients overall health

An increasingly used treatment for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis is total ankle replacement (TAR). However, implant loosening and subsidence are commonly reported complications, leading to relatively high TAR failure rates. Malalignment of the TAR has often been postulated as the main reason for the high incidence of these complications. It remains unclear to what extent malalignment of the TAR affects the stresses at the bone-implant interface. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the effect of TAR malalignment on the contact stresses on the bone-implant interface, thereby gaining more understanding of the potential role of malalignment in TAR failure. FE models of the neutrally aligned as well as malaligned CCI Evolution TAR implant (Van Straten Medical) were developed. Separate models were developed for the tibial and talar segment, with the TAR components in neutral alignment and 5° and 10° varus, valgus, anterior and posterior malalignment, resulting in a total of 9 differently aligned TAR models. Loading conditions of the terminal stance phase of the gait cycle, when the force on the ankle joint is highest (5.2x body weight), were applied. Peak and mean contact pressure and shear stress at the bone-implant interface were analyzed. Also, stress distributions on the bone-implant interface were visualized. In the neutrally aligned tibial and talar TAR models, peak contact pressures of respectively 98.4 MPa and 68.2 MPa, and shear stresses of respectively 49.3 MPa and 39.0 MPa were found. TAR malalignment increases peak contact pressure and shear stress on the bone-implant interface. A maximum peak contact pressure of 177 MPa was found for the 10° valgus malaligned tibial component and the highest shear stress found was 98.5 MPa for the 10° posterior malaligned talar model. Upon TAR malalignment contact stresses increase substantially, suggesting that proper orientation of the TAR is needed to minimize peak stresses on the bone-implant interface. This is in line with previous studies, which state that malalignment considerably increases bone strains, micromotion, and internal TAR contact pressures, which might increase the risk of TAR failure. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between increased contact stresses at the bone-implant interface and TAR failure

Background. Total ankle replacements (TARs) are becoming increasingly more common in the treatment of end stage ankle arthritis. As a consequence, more patients are presenting with the complex situation of the failing TAR. The aim of this study was to present our case series of isolated ankle fusions post failed TAR using a spinal cage construct and anterior plating technique. Methods. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for 6 patients that had isolated ankle fusions performed for failed TAR. These were performed by a single surgeon (IW) between March 2012 and October 2014. The procedure was performed using a Spinal Cage construct and grafting in the joint defect and anterior plating. Our primary outcome measure was clinical and radiographic union at 1 year. Union was defined as clinical union and no evidence of radiographic hardware loosening or persistent joint lucent line at 1 year. Results. The mean follow-up was 37.3 months (SD 13.2). Union was achieved in 5 of the 6 patients (83%). One patient had a non-union that required revision fusion incorporating the talonavicular joint that successfully went on to unite across both joints. Another patient had radiographic features of non-union but was clinically united and asymptomatic and one required revision surgery for a bulky symptomatic lateral malleolus with fused ankle joint. Conclusion. The failing TAR presents a complex clinical situation. After removal of the implant there is often a large defect which if compressed leads to a leg length discrepancy and if filled with augment can increase the risk of non-union. Multiple methods have been described for revision, with many advocating fusion of both the ankle joint and subtalar joint. We present our case series using a spinal cage and anterior plating that allows preservation of the subtalar joint and a high rate of union

Recent innovations in total ankle replacement (TAR) have led to improvements in implant survivorship, accuracy of component positioning and sizing, and patient outcomes. CT-generated pre-operative plans and cutting guides show promising results in terms of placement enhancement and reproducibility in clinical studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of 1) implant sizes used and 2) alignment corrections obtained intraoperatively using the cutting guides provided, compared to what was predicted in the CT generated pre-operative plans. This is a retrospective study looking at 36 patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty using a CT generated pre-operative planning system between July 2015 and December 2017. Personalized pre-operative planning data was obtained from the implant company. Two evaluators took measurements of the angle corrected using pre- and post-operative weight bearing ankle AP X-rays. All patients had a minimum three-month follow-up with weightbearing postoperative radiographs. The actual correction calculated from the radiographic assessment was compared with the predicted angles obtained from pre-operative plans. The predicted and predicted alternative component sizes and actual sizes used were also compared. If either a predicted or predicted alternative size was implanted, we considered it to be accurate. Average age for all patients was 64 years (range 40–83), with a body mass index of 28.2 ± 5.6. All surgeries were performed by two foot and ankle surgeons. The average total surgical time was 110 ± 23 minutes. Pre-operative alignment ranged from 36.7 degrees valgus to 20 degrees varus. Average predicted coronal alignment correction was 0.8 degrees varus ± 9.3 degrees (range, 18.2 degrees valgus to 29 degrees varus) and average correction obtained was 2.1 degrees valgus ± 11.1 degrees. Average post-op alignment was consistently within 5 degrees of neutral. There were no significant differences between the predicted alignments and the postoperative weightbearing alignments. The predicted tibia implant size was accurate in all cases. The predicted sizes were less accurate for talar implants and predicted the actual talar implant size used in 66% of cases. In all cases of predicted talar size mismatch, surgical plans predicted 1 implant size larger than used. Preliminary analyses of our data is comparable to previous studies looking at similar outcomes. However, our study had higher pre-operative deformities. Despite that, post-op alignments were consistently within 5 degress of neutral with no significant difference between the predicted and actual corrections. Tibial implant sizes are highly accurate while talar implant sizes had a trend of being one size smaller than predicted. Moreover, this effect seems to be more pronounced in the earlier cases likely reflective of increasing surgeon comfort with the implant with each subsequent case. These results confirm that pre-operative cutting guides are indeed helpful in intra-operative implant selection and positioning, however, there is still some room for innovation

Introduction:. Due to improvement in overall prosthesis designs and surgical methods, there have been increasing numbers of total ankle arthroplasty performed with encouraging intermediate results. While European registries have been able to perform long term follow-ups and analysis on total ankle arthroplasty patients, majority of the US studies have been based on experiences at a single institution. There is currently limited data on the recent trends of total ankle arthroplasty. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the in-patient demographics, complications and readmission rate in patients after total ankle arthroplasty at academic medical centers in United States. Patients & Methods:. We queried the University Healthsystems Consortium (UHC) administrative database from 2007 to 2011 for patients who underwent total ankle arthrolasty by ICD-9 procedure code 81.56. A descriptive analysis of demographics was performed, followed by a similar analysis of patient clinical benchmarks, including hospital length of stay, hospital direct cost, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day readmission rates. Results:. Our cohort consisted of 2,361 adult patients who underwent a total ankle arthroplasty at 95 different academic medical centers across the country during the specified time period. The annual surgical volume for individual surgeons who performed this procedure was 5 cases +/− 3. The cohort was comprised of 47% male and 53% female patients. The majority of the cohort 2,091 (88.5%) was white, 85 (3.6%) were black, 23 (1%) were Hispanic, and 162 (6.8%) other. The mean age of the cohort was 62 years old +/− 11. At least 70% of the cohort had one or more chronic medical conditions. The mean LOS for the cohort was 2.2 days +/− 1.26. The mean total direct cost for the hospital was $16,000 +/− 7,000 per case. 83% of the cohort had private insurance, 15% had Medicare, and 2% had Medicaid. In hospital mortality was less than 1% for the cohort during their index hospitalization. Inpatient complication rate include: DVT 2.3%, re-operation 0.7%, and infection 3.2%. There was a readmission rate of 2.6% within the first 30 days from the time of discharge. Discussion/Conclusion:. Total ankle arthroplasty in the United States is a relatively safe procedure with low overall complication rates including infection (3.2%), DVT (2.3%), and re-operation (0.7%). Length of stay after the procedure is around 2 days with a total direct hospital cost of $16,000 +/− $7,000 and 2.6% readmission rate (30 days). Majority of the patients were Caucasian and had private insurance