Living With Both a Total Ankle Replacement and an Ankle Fusion: A Qualitative Study From the Patients’ Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110044
Author(s):  
Catherine Conlin ◽  
Ryan M. Khan ◽  
Ian Wilson ◽  
Timothy R. Daniels ◽  
Mansur Halai ◽  
...  

Background: Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion are effective treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis. Comparative studies elucidate differences in treatment outcomes; however, the literature lacks evidence demonstrating what outcomes are important to patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ experiences of living with both a TAR and ankle fusion. Methods: This research study used qualitative description. Individuals were selected from a cohort of patients with TAR and/or ankle fusion (n = 1254). Eligible patients were English speaking with a TAR and contralateral ankle fusion, and a minimum of 1 year since their most recent ankle reconstruction. Surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon, and semistructured interviews were conducted by a single researcher in a private hospital setting or by telephone. Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores, radiographs, and ancillary surgical procedures were collected to characterize patients. Themes were derived through qualitative data analysis. Results: Ten adults (8 men, 2 women), ages 59 to 90 years, were included. Average AOS pain and disability scores were similar for both surgeries for most patients. Participants discussed perceptions of each reconstructed ankle. Ankle fusions were considered stable and strong, but also stiff and compromising balance. TARs were considered flexible and more like a “normal ankle,” though patients expressed concerns about their TAR “turning” on uneven ground. Individuals applied this knowledge to facilitate movement, particularly during a first step and transitioning between positions. They described the need for careful foot placement and attention to the environment to avoid potential challenges. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experiences of individuals living with a TAR and ankle fusion. In this unusual but limited group of patients, we found that each ankle reconstruction was generally perceived to have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Most participants articulated a preference for their TAR. These findings can help clinicians better counsel patients on expectations after TAR and ankle fusion, and improve patient-reported outcome measures by better capturing meaningful outcomes for patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 1239-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Nunley ◽  
Samuel B. Adams ◽  
Mark E. Easley ◽  
James K. DeOrio

Background: Outcomes of total ankle replacement for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis continue to improve. Debate continues whether a mobile-bearing total ankle replacement (MB-TAR) or a fixed-bearing total ankle replacement (FB-TAR) is superior, with successful outcomes reported long term for MB-TAR and at intermediate- to long-term follow-up for newer generation FB-TAR. Although comparisons between the 2 total ankle designs have been reported, to our knowledge, no investigation has compared the 2 designs with a high level of evidence. This prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at a single institution compares patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, and radiographic results of the mobile-bearing STAR and the fixed-bearing Salto-Talaris in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Methods: Between November 2011 and November 2014, adult patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis failing nonoperative treatment were introduced to the study. With informed consent, 100 patients (31 male and 69 female, average age 65 years, range 35-85 years) were enrolled; a demographic comparison between the 2 cohorts was similar. Exclusion criteria included inflammatory arthropathy, neuropathy, weight exceeding 250 pounds, radiographic coronal plane deformity greater than 15 degrees, or extensive talar dome wear pattern (“flat-top talus”). Prospective patient-reported outcomes, physical examination, and standardized weightbearing ankle radiographs were obtained preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and then at yearly intervals. Data collection included visual analog pain score, Short Form 36, Foot and Ankle Disability Index, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score. Surgeries were performed by a nondesign team of orthopedic foot and ankle specialists with total ankle replacement expertise. Statistical analysis was performed by a qualified statistician. At average follow-up of 4.5 years (range, 2-6 years) complete clinical data and radiographs were available for 84 patients; 7 had incomplete data, 1 had died, 4 were withdrawn after enrolling but prior to surgery, and 4 were lost to follow-up. Results: In all outcome measures, the entire cohort demonstrated statistically significant improvements from preoperative evaluation to most recent follow-up with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Radiographically, tibial lucency/cyst formation was 26.8% and 20.9% for MB-TAR and FB-TAR, respectively. Tibial settling/subsidence occurred in 7.3% of MB-TAR. Talar lucency/cyst formation occurred in 24.3% and 2.0% of MB-TAR and FB-TAR, respectively. Talar subsidence was observed in 21.9% and 2.0% of MB-TAR and FH-TAR, respectively. Reoperations were performed in 8 MB-TARs and 3 FH-TARs, with the majority of procedures being to relieve impingement or treat cysts and not to revise or remove metal implants. Conclusion: With a high level of evidence, our study found that patient-reported and clinical outcomes were favorable for both designs and that there was no significant difference in clinical improvement between the 2 implants. The incidence of lucency/cyst formation was similar for MB-TAR and FH-TAR for the tibial component, but the MB-TAR had greater talar lucency/cyst formation and tibial and talar subsidence. As has been suggested in previous studies, clinical outcomes do not necessarily correlate with radiographic findings. Reoperations were more common for MB-TAR and, in most cases, were to relieve impingement or treat cysts rather than revise or remove metal implants. Level of Evidence: Level I, prospective randomized study.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 952-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manja Deforth ◽  
Nicola Krähenbühl ◽  
Lukas Zwicky ◽  
Markus Knupp ◽  
Beat Hintermann

Background: Persistent pain despite a total ankle replacement is not uncommon. A main source of pain may be an insufficiently balanced ankle. An alternative to the revision of the existing arthroplasty is the use of a corrective osteotomy of the distal tibia, above the stable implant. This strictly extraarticular procedure preserves the integrity of the replaced joint. The aim of this study was to review a series of patients in whom a corrective supramalleolar osteotomy was performed to realign a varus misaligned tibial component in total ankle replacement. We hypothesized that the supramalleolar osteotomy would correct the malpositioned tibial component, resulting in pain relief and improvement of function. Methods: Twenty-two patients (9 male, 13 female; mean age, 62.6 years; range, 44.7-80) were treated with a supramalleolar osteotomy to correct a painful ankle with a varus malpositioned tibial component. Prospectively recorded radiologic and clinical outcome data as well as complications and reoperations were analyzed. Results: The tibial anterior surface angle significantly changed from 85.2 ± 2.5 degrees preoperatively to 91.4 ± 2.9 degrees postoperatively ( P < .0001), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot score significantly increased from 46 ± 14 to 66 ± 16 points ( P < .0001) and the patient’s pain score measured with the visual analog scale significantly decreased from 5.8 ± 1.9 to 3.3 ± 2.4 ( P < .001). No statistical difference was found in the tibial lateral surface angle and the range of motion of the ankle when comparing the preoperative to the postoperative measurements. The osteotomy healed in all but 3 patients on first attempt. Fifteen patients (68%) were (very) satisfied, 4 moderately satisfied, and 3 patients were not satisfied with the result. Conclusion: The supramalleolar osteotomy was found to be a reliable treatment option for correcting the varus misaligned tibial component in a painful replaced ankle. However, nonunion (14%) should be mentioned as a possible complication of this surgery. Nonetheless, as a strictly extraarticular procedure, it did not compromise function of the previously replaced ankle, and it was shown to relieve pain without having to have revised a well-fixed ankle arthroplasty. Level of evidence: Level IV, case series.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 247301141880448
Author(s):  
Mark Jay Conklin ◽  
Kathryn Elizabeth Smith ◽  
Jeremy Webster Blair ◽  
Kenneth Michael Dupont

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is commonly performed to salvage a failed total ankle replacement. These salvage procedures are complicated by significant bone loss from the ankle replacement and are associated with low patient satisfaction. Here, we describe 2 cases of patients who presented with a failed total ankle replacement and underwent arthrodesis using a bulk femoral head allograft and a novel pseudoelastic intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail contains an internal pseudoelastic element that adapts to bone resorption and settling allowing for compression to be maintained at the arthrodesis sites throughout healing. In the first case, a 65-year-old woman with a failed total ankle replacement underwent TTC arthrodesis. The second case involved an obese 53-year-old woman who had previously undergone 2 total ankle replacement procedures that resulted in unsuccessful outcomes. In both cases, union was demonstrated on computed tomographic scan by 6 months. At 2 years postsurgery, both patients were satisfied with the procedure. These cases provide preliminary evidence that tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a pseudoelastic IM nail and structural allograft is an appropriate treatment for failed total ankle replacements. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic, case series.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico G. Usuelli ◽  
Camilla Maccario ◽  
Francesco Granata ◽  
Cristian Indino ◽  
Venus Vakhshori ◽  
...  

Background: Ankle arthritis is a highly limiting pathology that causes pain and functional limitation with subsequent deterioration of quality of life. With recent advances in surgical instrumentation and techniques, prosthetic replacement of the ankle has proven to be a valid alternative to arthrodesis with comparable outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological findings in a transfibular total ankle replacement with follow-up of at least 2 years. Methods: This prospective study included 89 patients who underwent transfibular total ankle arthroplasty from May 2013 to February 2016. The mean age was 53.2 ± 13.5 years. All patients were followed for at least 24 months postoperatively with an average follow-up of 42.0 ± 23.5 months. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results: At 24 months postoperatively, patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle Hindfoot Score from 33.8 ± 14.3 to 88.5 ± 6.6 ( P < .001), visual analog scale (VAS) from 80.5 ± 17.0 to 14.1 ± 9.2 ( P < .001), and Short Form-12 Physical and Mental Composite Scores from 29.9 ± 6.7 and 43.3 ± 8.6 to 47.0 ± 7.6 and 53.3 ± 8.1, respectively ( P < .001). In addition, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion improved from 6.2 ± 5.5 and 9.6 ± 5.8 degrees to 24.2 ± 7.9 and 18.1 ± 7.6 degrees, respectively ( P < .001). Radiographically, patients demonstrated maintained neutral alignment of the ankle at 24 months. No patient demonstrated any radiographic evidence of tibial or talar lucency at final follow-up. Seven patients underwent reoperation for removal of symptomatic hardware (6 fibular plates, 1 syndesmotic screw); 2 patients experienced delayed wound healing. The first one was treated with plate removal and flap coverage. The second one required fibular plate removal. One patient developed a postoperative prosthetic infection requiring operative debridement, removal of implants, and placement of an antibiotic spacer. Conclusion: This study found that transfibular total ankle replacement was a safe and effective option for patients with ankle arthritis resulting in improvements in patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, and radiographic parameters. However, further studies are required to determine the mid- and long-term performance of these implants. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


Joints ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. 012-016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Usuelli ◽  
Andrea Pantalone ◽  
Camilla Maccario ◽  
Matteo Guelfi ◽  
Vincenzo Salini

Purpose In literature, there is a controversy regarding whether patients who have undergone total ankle replacement (TAR) can participate in sports and recreational activities. The purpose of this study was to report change in sports activity level after TAR. Methods A retrospective study was performed, enrolling 76 patients with symptomatic end-stage ankle arthritis who underwent TAR from May 2011 to October 2014. Patients were mainly males (44/76; 58%) and 56 years old on average (range: 22.3–79.6 years) at the time of surgery. They were treated with mobile-bearing prosthesis implanted with an anterior approach. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Pain and function were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) – physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS). Activity level was assessed with the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. Results At 12 months postoperatively, statistically significant increase was reported for AOFAS scores (from 32.8 ± 12.7 preoperatively to 72.6 ± 13.3; p < 0.001), SF-12 PCS (from 34.3 ± 5.1 preoperatively to 45.4 ± 6.4; p < 0.001), and SF-12 MCS (from 39.8 ± 7.5 preoperatively to 51.4 ± 6.1; p < 0.001). A statistically significant decrease was detected in VAS pain score (from 8.7 ± 1.6 preoperatively to 2.2 ± 1.6; p < 0.001). The UCLA activity levels increased significantly from 2.4 ± 0.8 to 6.3 ± 2.3 (p < 0.001). Conclusion Pain and function significantly improved in patients affected by ankle osteoarthritis, who underwent TAR, at 1-year follow-up. In addition, activity level showed a significant increase respect to preoperative condition. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 247301142110227
Author(s):  
Jayasree Ramaskandhan ◽  
Karen Smith ◽  
Simon Kometa ◽  
Nachiappan Chockalingam ◽  
Malik Siddique

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) are an integral part of national joint registers in measuring outcomes of operative procedures and improving quality of care. There is lack of literature comparing outcomes of total ankle replacement (TAR) to total knee replacement (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR). The aim of this study was to compare PROMs between TAR, TKR, and THR patient groups at 1, 5, and 10 years. Methods: Prospective PROMs from patients who underwent a TAR, TKR, or THR procedure between 2003 and 2010 were studied. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their index joint replacement (hip, knee, or ankle). Patient demographics (age, gender, body mass index), patient-reported outcome scores (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) and patient satisfaction scores (4-point Likert scale) at follow-up were compared between the 3 groups. Results: Data was available on 1797 THR, 2475 TKR, and 146 TAR patients. TAR patients were younger and reported fewer number of comorbidities. All 3 groups improved significantly from preoperative to 10 years for WOMAC scores ( P < .001). For SF-36 scores at 10 years, the THR group (32.2% follow-up) scored the highest for 3 domains ( P = .031) when compared to the TKR group (29.1% follow-up). All 3 groups had similar outcomes for 5 of 8 domains; P < .05). For patient satisfaction, the THR group reported overall 95.1% satisfaction followed by 89.8% for the TKR group and 83.9% in the TAR group (42.4% follow-up). Conclusion: In this cohort with diminishing numbers over the decade of time the patients were followed up we found that patients are equally happy with functional and general health outcomes from total ankle replacement vs other major lower extremity joint replacement. TAR surgery should be considered as a viable treatment option in this patient group. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case series.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0013
Author(s):  
Kevin Wing ◽  
Jason Sutherland ◽  
Timothy Daniels ◽  
Peter Dryden ◽  
Murray Penner ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: There is much interest in the surgical treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Our team has previously reported comparisons between ankle fusion and replacement outcomes for 321 ankles at 5.5 years from a prospective cohort. This research extends the observational period for another six years, ending in 2013. Our primary hypothesis is that patient-reported clinical outcomes for ankle fusion and replacements would be similar at last follow up. Methods: Patients in the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) Prospective Ankle Reconstructive Database were treated with total ankle replacement (involving Agilty, Star, Mobilty, Hintegra, or Inbone) or fusion (open or arthroscopic). Patient characteristics collected included demographics, comorbidities, smoking status and body mass index. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) completed by patients were the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Pre-operative and most recent patient data, with at least four years follow-up, were analyzed. Sensitivity analyses excluded ankles that had undergone revision. A linear mixed-effects regression model compared scores between total ankle replacement and fusion groups, adjusting for patient characteristics, baseline data and surgeon. Results: The sample included 844 ankles (556 ankle replacements and 284 arthrodesis). The mean follow up period was 8.0 years (standard deviation 3.1 years), with minimum and maximum of 4 and 14 years, respectively. Patients treated with arthrodesis were younger, more likely to be diabetic and smokers, and somewhat less likely to have inflammatory arthritis. Overall, 19.4% of ankle fusion and 30.8% of ankle replacements underwent all-cause re-operation. The mean AOS total score improved from 58.6 points pre-operatively to 31.4 post-operatively (delta 27.2), and from 57.0 to 26.9 points (delta 30.1) in the ankle replacement group. Differences in the change in AOS and SF-36 scores between the arthrodesis and ankle replacement groups were minimal after adjustment for baseline characteristics and surgeon. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes of total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis were comparable in a diverse cohort of patients whose follow up period ranged between 4 and 14 years post-operatively.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1122-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Sokolowski ◽  
Nicola Krähenbühl ◽  
Chen Wang ◽  
Lukas Zwicky ◽  
Christine Schweizer ◽  
...  

Background:An advantage of total ankle replacement (TAR) compared to ankle fusion is that by maintaining motion, the occurrence of hypermobility of adjacent joints may be prevented. This could affect the development of symptomatic subtalar joint osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of subtalar joint fusion and the progression of subtalar joint OA following TAR.Methods:Secondary subtalar joint fusion rate was determined from a cohort of 941 patients receiving primary TAR between 2000 and 2016. The indication for fusion, the time interval from primary TAR to fusion, and the union rate were evaluated. To assess the progression of subtalar joint OA, degenerative changes of the subtalar joint were classified in 671 patients using the Kellgren-Lawrence score (KLS) prior to TAR and at latest follow-up.Results:In 4% (37) of the patients, a secondary subtalar joint fusion was necessary. The indication for fusion was symptomatic OA in 51% (19), hindfoot instability in 27% (10), osteonecrosis of the talus in 19% (7), and cystic changes of the talus in 3% (1) of the patients. Time from primary TAR to subtalar joint fusion due to progressive OA was 5.0 (range, 0.3-10) years and for other reasons 1.6 (range, 0.2-11.6) years ( P = .3). In 68% (456) of the patients, no progression of subtalar joint OA was observed.Conclusion:The incidence of secondary subtalar joint fusion was low. The most common reason for subtalar joint fusion following TAR was symptomatic OA.Level of Evidence:Level IV, case series.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxa Ruiz ◽  
Roman Susdorf ◽  
Nicola Krähenbühl ◽  
Alexej Barg ◽  
Beat Hintermann

Background: Mobile-bearing total ankle replacement (TAR) potentially enables motion at the tibial implant–polyethylene insert (PI) interface. Such additional freedom of movement may overload periarticular ligaments and subsequently result in coronal translation of the talus. The aim of this study was to assess whether syndesmotic overload affects clinical and radiographic outcomes following mobile-bearing TAR and whether tibiofibular fusion is an effective treatment option. Methods: Thirty-one patients who underwent revision surgery for syndesmotic overload after mobile-bearing TAR were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed before and after index TAR, preoperatively to revision surgery, and at the last follow-up after revision surgery. Computed tomography scans were also analyzed. Results: Ankles with lateral talar translation prior to revision surgery were about 10 times more likely to have valgus tibial implant position ( P = .003). A wide tibiofibular distance at the level of the syndesmosis after index TAR was associated with an increased hindfoot moment arm at revision surgery ( P = .025). Decrease of PI height at revision surgery and a PI fracture were evident in 10 (32%) and 4 (13%) cases, respectively. Talar cyst formation at revision surgery was evident in 12 (39%) cases. Tibiofibular fusion was effective in restoring function of the replaced ankle and providing pain relief. Conclusion: Syndesmotic overload impaired clinical and radiographic outcomes after mobile-bearing TAR. Proper implant positioning and additional realignment procedures may prevent overload of periarticular soft tissue structures after mobile-bearing TAR. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


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