A multicentre, randomized, clinician-led, pragmatic, parallel-group orthopaedic trial of two surgical procedures was set up to obtain high-quality evidence of effectiveness. However, the trial faced recruitment challenges and struggled to maintain recruitment rates over 30%, although this is not unusual for surgical trials. We conducted a qualitative study with the aim of gathering information about recruitment practices to identify barriers to patient consent and participation to an orthopaedic trial. We collected 11 audio recordings of recruitment appointments and interviews of research team members (principal investigators and research nurses) from five hospitals involved in recruitment to an orthopaedic trial. We analyzed the qualitative data sets thematically with the aim of identifying aspects of informed consent and information provision that was either unclear, disrupted, or hindered trial recruitment.Aims
Methods
Aims. The surgical management of
Aims. This is a multicentre, non-inventor, prospective observational study of 503 INFINITY fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs). We report our early experience, complications, and radiological and functional outcomes. Methods. Patients were recruited from 11 specialist centres between June 2016 and November 2019. Demographic, radiological, and functional outcome data (Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, Manchester Oxford Questionnaire, and EuroQol five-dimension five-level score) were collected preoperatively, at six months, one year, and two years. The Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) grading system was used to stratify deformity. Early and late complications and reoperations were recorded as adverse events. Radiographs were assessed for lucencies, cysts, and/or subsidence. Results. In all, 500 patients reached six-month follow-up, 420 reached one-year follow-up, and 188 reached two-year follow-up. The mean age was 67.8 years (23.9 to 88.5). A total of 38 patients (7.5%) presented with inflammatory arthritis. A total of 101 (20.0%) of implantations used patient-specific instrumentation; 167 patients (33.1%) underwent an additional procedure at the time of surgery. A total of seven patients died of unrelated causes, two withdrew, and one was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 16.2 months (6 to 36). There was a significant improvement from baseline across all functional outcome scores at six months, one, and two years. There was no significant difference in outcomes with the use of patient-specific instrumentation, type of arthritis, or COFAS type. Five (1.0%) implants were revised. The overall complication rate was 8.8%. The non-revision reoperation rate was 1.4%. The 30-day readmission rate was 1.2% and the one-year mortality 0.74%. Conclusion. The early experience and complications reported in this study support the current use of the INFINITY TAA as a safe and effective implant in the treatment of end-stage
Aims. We report the medium-term outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 Zenith total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) from a single, non-designer centre. Methods. 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. Results. Eight patients (ten ankles) died during follow-up, but none required revision. Of the surviving 106 patients (108 ankles: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), n = 15; osteoarthritis (OA), n = 93), 38 were women and 68 were men, with a mean age of 68.2 years (48 to 86) at the time of surgery. Mean follow-up was 5.1 years (2.1 to 9.0). A total of ten implants failed (8.5%), thus requiring revision. The implant survival at seven years, using revision as an endpoint, was 88.2% (95% CI 100% to 72.9%). There was a mean improvement in Manchester-Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ) from 85.0 to 32.8 and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores from 7.0 to 3.2, and overall satisfaction was 89%. The three commonest complications were malleolar fracture (14.4%, n = 17), wound healing (13.6%, n = 16), and superficial infection (12.7%, n = 15). The commonest reason for revision was aseptic loosening. No patients in our study were revised for deep infection. Conclusion. Our results show that Zenith survival rates are comparable with those in the literature for other implants and in the National Joint Registry (NJR). Overall patient satisfaction was high as were functional outcomes. However, the data highlight potential complications associated with this surgery. The authors believe that these figures support ankle arthroplasty as an option in the treatment of
Aims. Arthroplasty has become increasingly popular to treat end-stage
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
This scoping review aims to identify patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). A scoping review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A computer-based literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane trials, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full-text screening according to predetermined selection criteria. English-language original research studies reporting patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following TAA were included. Outcomes were defined as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), perioperative complications, and failure.Aims
Methods
The primary aim of this study was to present the mid-term follow-up of a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) which compared the functional outcome following routine removal (RR) to the outcome following on-demand removal (ODR) of the syndesmotic screw (SS). All patients included in the ‘ROutine vs on DEmand removal Of the syndesmotic screw’ (RODEO) trial received the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Hindfoot Score (AOFAS), Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Out of the 152 patients, 109 (71.7%) completed the mid-term follow-up questionnaire and were included in this study (53 treated with RR and 56 with ODR). Median follow-up was 50 months (interquartile range 43.0 to 56.0) since the initial surgical treatment of the acute syndesmotic injury. The primary outcome of this study consisted of the OMAS scores of the two groups.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 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
This study aimed to compare the outcomes of two different postoperative management approaches following surgical fixation of ankle fractures: traditional cast immobilization versus the Early Motion and Directed Exercise (EMADE) programme. A total of 157 patients aged 18 years or older who underwent successful open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of Weber B (AO44B) ankle fractures were recruited to this randomized controlled trial. At two weeks post-surgical fixation, participants were randomized to either light-weight cast-immobilization or the EMADE programme, consisting of progressive home exercises and weekly advice and education. Both groups were restricted to non-weightbearing until six weeks post-surgery. The primary outcome was assessed using the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) questionnaire at 12 weeks post-surgery, with secondary measures at two, six, 24, and 52 weeks. Exploratory cost-effectiveness analyses were also performed.Aims
Methods
This study reports updates the previously published two-year clinical, functional, and radiological results of a group of patients who underwent transfibular total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), with follow-up extended to a minimum of five years. We prospectively evaluated 89 patients who underwent transfibular TAA for end-stage osteoarthritis. Patients’ clinical and radiological examinations were collected pre- and postoperatively at six months and then annually for up to five years of follow-up. Three patients were lost at the final follow-up with a total of 86 patients at the final follow-up.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
Infected and deformed neuropathic feet and ankles are serious challenges for surgical management. In this study we present our experience in performing ankle arthrodesis in a closed manner, without surgical preparation of the joint surfaces by cartilaginous debridement, but instead using an Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) for deformity correction and facilitating fusion, in arthritic neuropathic ankles with associated osteomyelitis. We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent closed ankle arthrodesis (CAA) in Ilizarov Scientific Centre from 2013 to 2018 (Group A) and compared them with a similar group of patients (Group B) who underwent open ankle arthrodesis (OAA). We then divided the neuropathic patients into three arthritic subgroups: Charcot joint, Charcot-Maire-Tooth disease, and post-traumatic arthritis. All arthrodeses were performed by using an Ilizarov ring fixator. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a minimum of 12 months to assess union and function.Aims
Methods
Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has become the most reliable surgical solution for patients with end-stage arthritis of the ankle. Aseptic loosening of the talar component is the most common complication. A custom-made artificial talus can be used as the talar component in a combined TAA for patients with poor bone stock of the talus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional and clinical outcomes of combined TAA. Ten patients (two men, eight women; ten ankles) treated using a combined TAA between 2009 and 2013 were matched for age, gender, and length of follow-up with 12 patients (one man, 11 women; 12 ankles) who underwent a standard TAA. All had end-stage arthritis of the ankle. The combined TAA features a tibial component of the TNK ankle (Kyocera, Kyoto, Japan) and an alumina ceramic artificial talus (Kyocera), designed using individualized CT data. The mean age at the time of surgery in the combined TAA and standard TAA groups was 71 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Postoperative rehabilitation regimens following ankle arthrodesis vary considerably. A systematic review was conducted to determine the evidence for weightbearing recommendations following ankle arthrodesis, and to compare outcomes between different regimens. MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes following ankle arthrodesis, in which standardized postoperative rehabilitation regimens were employed. Eligible studies were grouped according to duration of postoperative nonweightbearing: zero to one weeks (group A), two to three weeks (group B), four to five weeks (group C), or six weeks or more (group D). Outcome data were pooled and compared between groups. Outcomes analyzed included union rates, time to union, clinical scores, and complication rates.Aims
Patients and Methods
We hypothesized that there is no difference in the clinical and radiological outcomes using local bone graft We prospectively studied 28 calcaneal malunion patients (the study group) who were managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using local calcaneal bone graft. The study group included 16 male and 12 female patients. The median age was 37.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 43). The outcome of the study group was compared with a control group of ten patients previously managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using iliac bone graft. The control group included six male and four female patients. The median age was 41.5 years (IQR 36 to 44).Aims
Patients and 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
Few reports compare the contribution of the talonavicular articulation
to overall range of movement in the sagittal plane after total ankle
arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar arthrodesis. The purpose of this
study was to assess changes in ROM and functional outcomes following
tibiotalar arthrodesis and TAA. Patients who underwent isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis or TAA
with greater than two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study.
Overall arc of movement and talonavicular movement in the sagittal
plane were assessed with weight-bearing lateral maximum dorsiflexion
and plantarflexion radiographs. All patients completed Short Form-12
version 2.0 questionnaires, visual analogue scale for pain (VAS)
scores, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).Aims
Patients and Methods
