Aims. When a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) fails, it can be converted to a fusion or a revision arthroplasty. Despite the increasing numbers of TAAs being undertaken, there is little information in the literature about the management of patients undergoing fusion following a failed TAA. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the survival of fusions following a failed TAA using a large dataset from the National Joint Registry (NJR). Methods. A data linkage study combined NJR and NHS Digital data. Failure of a TAA was defined as a fusion, revision to a further TAA, or amputation. Life tables and Kaplan-Meier graphs were used to record survival. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted to compare the rates of failure. Results. A total of 131 patients underwent fusion as a salvage procedure following TAA. Their mean age was 65.7 years (SD 10.6) and 73 (55.7%) were male. The mean follow-up was 47.5 months (SD 27.2). The mean time between TAA and fusion was 5.3 years (SD 2.7). Overall, 32 (24.4%) underwent reoperations other than revision and 29 (22.1%) failed. Of these 24 (18.3%) underwent revision of the fusion and five (3.8%) had a below-knee amputation. No patients underwent
Aims. There is little information about how to manage patients with a recurvatum deformity of the distal tibia and osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of addressing this deformity using a flexion osteotomy and to assess the progression of OA after this procedure. Patients and Methods. A total of 39 patients (12 women, 27 men; mean age 47 years (28 to 72)) with a distal tibial recurvatum deformity were treated with a flexion osteotomy, between 2010 and 2015. Nine patients (23%) subsequently required
The Vantage Total Ankle System is a fourth-generation low-profile fixed-bearing implant that has been available since 2016. We aimed to describe our early experience with this implant. This is a single-centre retrospective review of patients who underwent primary total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with a Vantage implant between November 2017 and February 2020, with a minimum of two years’ follow-up. Four surgeons contributed patients. The primary outcome was reoperation and revision rate of the Vantage implant at two years. Secondary outcomes included radiological alignment, peri-implant complications, and pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes.Aims
Methods
Despite the increasing numbers of ankle arthroplasties, there are limited studies on their survival and comparisons between different implants. The primary aim of this study was to determine the failure rates of primary ankle arthroplasties commonly used in the UK. A data linkage study combined National Joint Registry (NJR) data and NHS Digital data. The primary outcome of failure was defined as the removal or exchange of any components of the implanted device. Life tables and Kaplan-Meier survival charts were used to illustrate survivorship. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted to compare failure rates between 1 April 2010 and 31 December 2018.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate and functional outcomes of bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Additionally, we evaluated the rate of graft incorporation and identified associated predisposing factors using CT scan. We reviewed a total of 37 ankles (34 patients) that had undergone bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts. A CT scan was performed one year after bone grafting to check the status of graft incorporation. For accurate analysis of cyst volumes and their postoperative changes, 3D-reconstructed CT scan processed with 3D software was used. For functional outcomes, variables such as the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale score and the visual analogue scale for pain were measured.Aims
Methods
The number of revision total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) which are undertaken is increasing. Few studies have reported the survival after this procedure. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the survival of revision ankle arthroplasties using large datasets. Secondary aims were to summarize the demographics of the patients, the indications for revision TAA, further operations, and predictors of survival. The study combined data from the National Joint Registry and NHS Digital to report the survival of revision TAA. We have previously reported the failure rates and risk factors for failure after TAA, and the outcome of fusion after a failed TAA, using the same methodology. Survival was assessed using life tables and Kaplan Meier graphs. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted to compare failure rates.Aims
Methods
To assess the characteristic clinical features, management, and outcome of patients who present to orthopaedic surgeons with functional dystonia affecting the foot and ankle. We carried out a retrospective search of our records from 2000 to 2019 of patients seen in our adult tertiary referral foot and ankle unit with a diagnosis of functional dystonia.Aims
Methods
Preoperative talar valgus deformity ≥ 15° is considered a contraindication for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). We compared operative procedures and clinical outcomes of TAA in patients with talar valgus deformity ≥ 15° and < 15°. A matched cohort of patients similar for demographics and components used but differing in preoperative coronal-plane tibiotalar valgus deformity ≥ 15° (valgus, n = 50; 52% male, mean age 65.8 years (SD 10.3), mean body mass index (BMI) 29.4 (SD 5.2)) or < 15° (control, n = 50; 58% male, mean age 65.6 years (SD 9.8), mean BMI 28.7 (SD 4.2)), underwent TAA by one surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain and disability and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) version 2 scores were collected prospectively. Ancillary procedures, secondary procedures, and complications were recorded.Aims
Methods
We report the medium-term outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 Zenith total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) from a single, non-designer centre. Between December 2010 and May 2016, 118 consecutive Zenith prostheses were implanted in 114 patients. Demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) data were collected. The endpoint of the study was failure of the implant requiring revision of one or all of the components. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the rate of failure calculated for each year.Aims
Methods
Our study describes the clinical outcome of total ankle replacement (TAR) performed in patients with moderate to severe varus deformity. Between September 2004 and September 2007, 23 ankles with a varus deformity ≥ 10° and 22 with neutral alignment received a TAR. Following specific algorithms according to joint congruency, the varus ankles were managed by various additional procedures simultaneously with TAR. After a mean follow-up of 27 months (12 to 47), the varus ankles improved significantly in all clinical measures (p <
0.0001 for visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, p = 0.001 for range of movement). No significant differences were found between the varus and neutral groups regarding the clinical (p = 0.766 for visual analogue scale, p = 0.502 for American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, p = 0.773 for range of movement) and radiological outcome (p = 0.339 for heterotopic ossification, p = 0.544 for medial cortical reaction, p = 0.128 for posterior focal osteolysis). Failure of the TAR with
Arthroplasty for end-stage hallux rigidus (HR) is controversial. Arthrodesis remains the gold standard for surgical treatment, although is not without its complications, with rates of up to 10% for nonunion, 14% for reoperation and 10% for metatarsalgia. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of a double-stemmed silastic implant (Wright-Medical, Memphis, Tennessee, USA) for patients with end-stage HR. We conducted a retrospective review of 108 consecutive implants in 76 patients, between January 2005 and December 2016, with a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 61.6 years (42 to 84). There were 104 females and four males. Clinical, radiological, patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) data, a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, and satisfaction scores were collected.Aims
Methods
To assess the effect of age on clinical outcome and revision rates in patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA). A consecutive series of 811 ankles (789 patients) that underwent TAA between May 2003 and December 2013 were enrolled. The influence of age on clinical outcome, including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and pain according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed. In addition, the risk for revision surgery that includes soft tissue procedures, periarticular arthrodeses/osteotomies, ankle joint debridement, and/or inlay exchange (defined as minor revision), as well as the risk for revision surgery necessitating the exchange of any of the metallic components or removal of implant followed by ankle/hindfoot fusion (defined as major revision) was calculated.Aims
Methods
We report the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a consecutive series of 200 total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs, 184 patients) at a single centre using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) implants. Between November 1993 and February 2000, 200 consecutive STAR prostheses were implanted in 184 patients by a single surgeon. Demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively and the last available status was recorded for further survival analysis. All surviving patients underwent regular clinical and radiological review. Pain and function were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scoring system. The principal endpoint of the study was failure of the implant requiring revision of one or all of the components. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated with 95% confidence intervals and the rate of failure calculated for each year.Aims
Patients and Methods
Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) surgery is complex and attracts a wide variety of complications. The literature lacks consistency in reporting adverse events and complications. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of each of these complications from a literature review, and to compare them with rates from our Unit, to aid clinicians with the process of informed consent. A total of 278 consecutive total ankle arthroplasties (251 patients), performed by four surgeons over a six-year period in Wrightington Hospital (Wigan, United Kingdom) were prospectively reviewed. There were 143 men and 108 women with a mean age of 64 years (41 to 86). The data were recorded on each follow-up visit. Any complications either during initial hospital stay or subsequently reported on follow-ups were recorded, investigated, monitored, and treated as warranted. Literature search included the studies reporting the outcomes and complications of TAA implants.Aims
Patients and Methods
The last decade has seen a considerable increase
in the use of in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) to treat patients
with end-stage arthritis of the ankle. However, the longevity of
the implants is still far from that of total knee and hip arthroplasties. The aim of this review is to outline a diagnostic and treatment
algorithm for the painful TAA to be used when considering revision
surgery. Cite this article:
The treatment of peri-prosthetic joint infection
(PJI) of the ankle is not standardised. It is not clear whether
an algorithm developed for hip and knee PJI can be used in the management
of PJI of the ankle. We evaluated the outcome, at two or more years
post-operatively, in 34 patients with PJI of the ankle, identified
from a cohort of 511 patients who had undergone total ankle replacement.
Their median age was 62.1 years (53.3 to 68.2), and 20 patients
were women. Infection was exogenous in 28 (82.4%) and haematogenous
in six (17.6%); 19 (55.9%) were acute infections and 15 (44.1%)
chronic. Staphylococci were the cause of 24 infections (70.6%).
Surgery with retention of one or both components was undertaken
in 21 patients (61.8%), both components were replaced in ten (29.4%),
and arthrodesis was undertaken in three (8.8%). An infection-free
outcome with satisfactory function of the ankle was obtained in
23 patients (67.6%). The best rate of cure followed the exchange
of both components (9/10, 90%). In the 21 patients in whom one or
both components were retained, four had a relapse of the same infecting organism
and three had an infection with another organism. Hence the rate
of cure was 66.7% (14 of 21). In these 21 patients, we compared
the treatment given to an algorithm developed for the treatment
of PJI of the knee and hip. In 17 (80.9%) patients, treatment was
not according to the algorithm. Most (11 of 17) had only one criterion against
retention of one or both components. In all, ten of 11 patients
with severe soft-tissue compromise as a single criterion had a relapse-free
survival. We propose that the treatment concept for PJI of the ankle
requires adaptation of the grading of quality of the soft tissues. Cite this article
Large osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the shoulder
of the talus cannot always be treated by traditional osteochondral
autograft techniques because of their size, articular geometry and
loss of an articular buttress. We hypothesised that they could be
treated by transplantation of a vascularised corticoperiosteal graft
from the ipsilateral medial femoral condyle. Between 2004 and 2011, we carried out a prospective study of
a consecutive series of 14 patients (five women, nine men; mean
age 34.8 years, 20 to 54) who were treated for an OCL with a vascularised
bone graft. Clinical outcome was assessed using a visual analogue
scale (VAS) for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
(AOFAS) hindfoot score. Radiological follow-up used plain radiographs
and CT scans to assess graft incorporation and joint deterioration. At a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2 to 7), the mean VAS for pain
had decreased from 5.8 (5 to 8) to 1.8 (0 to 4) (p = 0.001) and
the mean AOFAS hindfoot score had increased from 65 (41 to 70) to
81 (54 to 92) (p = 0.003). Radiologically, the talar contour had
been successfully reconstructed with stable incorporation of the
vascularised corticoperiosteal graft in all patients. Joint degeneration
was only seen in one ankle. Treatment of a large OCL of the shoulder of the talus with a
vascularised corticoperiosteal graft taken from the medial condyle
of the femur was found to be a safe, reliable method of restoring
the contour of the talus in the early to mid-term. Cite this article:
Little is known about the long-term outcome of
mobile-bearing total ankle replacement (TAR) in the treatment of end-stage
arthritis of the ankle, and in particular for patients with inflammatory
joint disease. The aim of this study was to assess the minimum ten-year
outcome of TAR in this group of patients. We prospectively followed 76 patients (93 TARs) who underwent
surgery between 1988 and 1999. No patients were lost to follow-up.
At latest follow-up at a mean of 14.8 years (10.7 to 22.8), 30 patients
(39 TARs) had died and the original TAR remained Cite this article:
We describe the early results of a prospective study of 100 total ankle replacements (96 patients) at a single centre using the Mobility Total Ankle Replacement. At final review, six patients had died and five ankles (5%) had been revised, two by fusion and three by exchange of components. All remaining patients were reviewed at a minimum of three years. The mean follow-up was 43 months (4 to 63). The three-year survival was 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 99). The four-year survival was 93.6% (95% CI 84.7 to 97.4). The portion of bony interface that was visible on plain radiograph was divided into 15 zones and a radiolucent line or osteolytic cavity was seen in one zone in 14 ankles. It was not seen in more than one zone. In five ankles it was >
10 mm in width. This study suggests that the early outcome of ankle replacement is comparable to that of other total joint replacements.
We report the incidence and intensity of persistent
pain in patients with an otherwise uncomplicated total ankle replacement
(TAR). Arthroscopic debridement was performed in selected cases
and the clinical outcome was analysed. Among 120 uncomplicated TARs, there was persistent pain with
a mean visual analogue scale (VAS) of 2.7 (0 to 8). The intensity
of pain decreased in 115 ankles (95.8%). Exercise or walking for
more than 30 minutes was the most common aggravating factor (62
ankles, 68.1%). The character of the pain was most commonly described
as dull (50 ankles, 54.9%) and located on the medial aspect of the
joint (43 ankles, 47.3%). A total of seven ankles (5.8%) underwent subsequent arthroscopy.
These patients had local symptoms and a VAS for pain ≥ 7 on exertion.
Impingement with fibrosis and synovitis was confirmed. After debridement,
the median VAS decreased from 7 to 3 and six patients were satisfied.
The median VAS for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle
Society score of the ankles after debridement was similar to that
of the uncomplicated TARs (p = 0.496 and p = 0.066, respectively). Although TAR reduces the intensity of pain, residual pain is
not infrequent even in otherwise uncomplicated TARs and soft-tissue
impingement is the possible cause. Cite this article: