Short-Term Complications and Outcomes of the Cadence Total Ankle Arthroplasty

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110438
Author(s):  
Brianna Fram ◽  
Daniel O. Corr ◽  
Ryan G. Rogero ◽  
David I. Pedowitz ◽  
Justin Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Failure Modes ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Radiographic Evaluation ◽  
Coding System ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Implant Complications ◽  
American Orthopaedic

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly popular option for the operative treatment of ankle arthritis. The Cadence TAA entered clinical use in 2016 and was designed to address common failure modes of prior systems. We report early complications and radiographic and clinical outcomes of this total ankle system at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing primary Cadence TAA by a single surgeon from 2016 to 2017. Complications and reoperations were documented using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) TAA reoperation coding system. Patients completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport subscales, SF-12 Mental (MCS) and Physical (PCS) Component Summaries, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain rating (0-100). Radiographic evaluation was performed to assess postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the sole of the foot relative to the long axis of the tibia, alignment, and implant complications. Results: Fifty-eight patients with a mean age of 63.3 years and mean body mass index of 31.9 kg/m2 were included. Twelve of 58 patients (20.7%) underwent an additional procedure(s) within 2 years, including 3 (5.2%) who required removal of one or both components, 2 for infection and 1 for osteolysis. Forty-three patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years with radiographic imaging; 1 patient’s (2.3%) radiographs had signs of peri-implant osteolysis, with no cases demonstrating loosening or subsidence. FAAM-ADL, FAAM-Sport, SF-12 PCS, and VAS pain scores all improved at a mean of 27.4 months postoperatively, with mean score changes (± SD) of 16.3 (± 22.0), 25.3 (± 24.5), 6.0 (± 11.1), and −32.3 (± 39.8), respectively. Radiographic analysis revealed that average coronal alignment improved from 6.9 degrees from neutral preoperatively to 2.3 degrees postoperatively. The average ROM of the foot relative to the tibia was 36.5 degrees total arc of motion based on lateral radiographs. Conclusion: Early experience with this 2-component total ankle replacement was associated with a high component retention rate, improved coronal plane alignment, good postoperative ROM, radiographically stable implants, and improved patient function. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

scholarly journals Medium-term results of the HINTEGRA total ankle arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-238
Author(s):  
Mohammadali Khademi ◽  
Paulo Ferrao ◽  
Nikiforos Saragas
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Arthrodesis ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
American Orthopaedic

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine patient satisfaction, survivorship, and revision rate of the HINTEGRA total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Our secondary objective was to assess hindfoot function. Methods: All patients who underwent a HINTEGRA TAA between 2007 and 2014 were evaluated. We included a total of 69 patients (69 ankles), who were subjected to clinical and radiological examination and completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score, and the self-reported foot and ankle score (SEFAS). Hindfoot function was assessed using the AOFAS hindfoot score. Mean follow-up was 62 (57–101) months. Results: The mean VAS score was 2 (0–3) and the SEFAS was 37 (26–48) at the most recent follow-up, while the AOFAS ankle score improved from 57 (52–62) to 87 (82–93). The AOFAS hindfoot score improved from 82 to 92 postoperatively. Eight patients had periprosthetic osteolysis and 5 underwent bone grafting of cysts. We detected polyethylene and hydroxyapatite particles in specimens obtained from the cysts. Eight patients had their procedures converted to an ankle arthrodesis. Conclusion: In select patients, TAA improved quality of life. Our medium-term follow-up of the HINTEGRA TAA observed a survivorship of 89% at 5 years with an improvement in the AOFAS score and a mean SEFAS score of 37. We recommend that large periprosthetic cysts, which may be caused by the hydroxyapatite coating and polyethylene particles, be bone grafted prophylactically. We found hindfoot function to be preserved. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of the Salto Talaris Total Ankle Arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1519-1528
Author(s):  
Jonathan Day ◽  
Jaeyoung Kim ◽  
Martin J. O’Malley ◽  
Constantine A. Demetracopoulos ◽  
Jonathan Garfinkel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Component Revision

Background: The Salto Talaris is a fixed-bearing implant first approved in the US in 2006. While early surgical outcomes have been promising, mid- to long-term survivorship data are limited. The aim of this study was to present the survivorship and causes of failure of the Salto Talaris implant, with functional and radiographic outcomes. Methods: Eighty-seven prospectively followed patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the Salto Talaris between 2007 and 2015 at our institution were retrospectively identified. Of these, 82 patients (85 ankles) had a minimum follow-up of 5 (mean, 7.1; range, 5-12) years. The mean age was 63.5 (range, 42-82) years and the mean body mass index was 28.1 (range, 17.9-41.2) kg/m2. Survivorship was determined by incidence of revision, defined as removal/exchange of a metal component. Preoperative, immediate, and minimum 5-year postoperative AP and lateral weightbearing radiographs were reviewed; tibiotalar alignment (TTA) and the medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) were measured to assess coronal talar and tibial alignment, respectively. The sagittal tibial angle (STA) was measured; the talar inclination angle (TIA) was measured to evaluate for radiographic subsidence of the implant, defined as a change in TIA of 5 degrees or more from the immediately to the latest postoperative lateral radiograph. The locations of periprosthetic cysts were documented. Preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales were compared. Results: Survivorship was 97.6% with 2 revisions. One patient underwent tibial and talar component revision for varus malalignment of the ankle; another underwent talar component revision for aseptic loosening and subsidence. The rate of other reoperations was 21.2% ( n = 18), with the main reoperation being exostectomy with debridement for ankle impingement ( n = 12). At final follow-up, the average TTA improved 4.4 (± 3.8) degrees, the average MDTA improved 3.4 (± 2.6) degrees, and the average STA improved 5.3 (± 4.5) degrees. Periprosthetic cysts were observed in 18 patients, and there was no radiographic subsidence. All FAOS subscales demonstrated significant improvement at final follow-up. Conclusions: We found the Salto Talaris implant to be durable, consistent with previous studies of shorter follow-up lengths. We observed significant improvement in radiographic alignment as well as patient-reported clinical outcomes at a minimum 5-year follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Comparison of Intermediate-term Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Primary and Ligamentous Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 1273-1281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gun-Woo Lee ◽  
Asep Santoso ◽  
Keun-Bae Lee
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Primary Osteoarthritis ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
American Orthopaedic ◽  
End Stage

Background: Ankle ligamentous injuries without fracture can result in end-stage ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which may cause ligamentous imbalance after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). However, outcomes of TAA in these patients are not well known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intermediate-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of TAA in patients with ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis and compare them with results of TAA for patients with primary osteoarthritis. Methods: We enrolled 114 patients (119 ankles) with consecutive primary TAA using HINTEGRA prosthesis at a mean follow-up duration of 6.0 years (range, 3-13). We divided all patients into 2 groups according to the etiology of osteoarthritis: (1) primary osteoarthritis group (69 ankles) and (2) ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group (50 ankles). Results: There was no significant intergroup difference in mean Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary, visual analog scale pain score, ankle range of motion, or complications at the final follow-up. However, the final tibiotalar angle was less corrected to 4.2 degrees in the ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group compared to 2.7 degrees in the primary osteoarthritis group ( P = .001). More concomitant procedures were required at the index surgery for the ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group ( P = .001). The estimated 5-year survivorship was 93.4% (primary osteoarthritis group: 91.3%; ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis group: 95.8%). Conclusions: Clinical outcomes, complication rate, and 5-year survivorship of TAA in ankles with primary and ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis were comparable with intermediate-term follow-up. Our results suggest that TAA would be a reliable treatment in ankles with ligamentous post-traumatic osteoarthritis when neutrally aligned stable ankles are achieved postoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

scholarly journals Quality of Modern Total Ankle Arthroplasty Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0016
Author(s):  
Daniel Bohl ◽  
Emily Vafek ◽  
Simon Lee ◽  
Johnny Lin ◽  
George Holmes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The United States ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Ankle Arthritis ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
End Stage

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is gaining popularity as an alternative to ankle arthrodesis in the setting of end-stage ankle arthritis. However, compared to hip and knee arthroplasty, there is a relative dearth of evidence to support its use. This study assesses the quality of literature surrounding modern TAA designs. Methods: A search of all peer-reviewed, English-language journals was conducted to identify publications involving TAA. The initial search identified 444 articles published during 2006-2016. Of these, 182 were excluded because they were not clinical outcomes studies, 46 because the TAA implant was no longer available, and 15 because the primary outcome of the study was not related to TAA, leaving 201 articles for analysis. Results: No Level I studies were identified. Seventeen (8%) studies were Level II, 48 (24%) Level III, 128 (64%) Level IV, and 8 (4%) Level V. One hundred forty-three studies (71%) were retrospective in nature. Stratification by study design revealed 128 (64%) case series, 33 (16%) experimental cohort studies, 19 (10%) case-control studies, 13 (6%) observational cohort studies, and 8 (4%) case reports. The number of studies published each year steadily increased from 2006 to 2016. A total of 51% of TAA research was published in only two journals: Foot and Ankle International and the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Publications from the United States accounted for 36% of total publications. The most published implant was the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (Figure 1). Conclusion: While the number of TAA studies published each year has steadily increased since 2006, the quality of this research as measured by level of evidence remains suboptimal. This analysis highlights the need for continued improvement in methodology and development of robust prospective registries to advance our knowledge of TAA as a treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis.

Clinical Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty With Total Talar Prosthesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 948-954
Author(s):  
Noriyuki Kanzaki ◽  
Nobuaki Chinzei ◽  
Tetsuya Yamamoto ◽  
Takahiro Yamashita ◽  
Kazuyuki Ibaraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Medial Malleolus ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
The Mean ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Medial Malleolus Fracture

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has been developed to treat patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is often difficulty in treating complicated pathologies such as ankle OA with subtalar joint OA and severe talar collapse. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the short-term results and complications of TAA with total talar prosthesis, known as combined TAA, as the new techniques to treat such complicated pathology. Methods: We examined postoperative results including ankle range of motion, Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale, and complications. There were 22 patients (15 women), with mean follow-up of 34.9 (range, 24–53 months), and the mean age was 72 (range, 62–80) years. The main indications for combined TAA included osteoarthritis (18 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (3 patients), and talar osteonecrosis with osteoarthritis (one patient). Results: The mean range of motion improved from 4.0 to 14.4 degrees in dorsiflexion and from 23.8 to 32.0 degrees in plantarflexion. The JSSF scale improved from 50.5 to 91.5 points. Prolonged wound healing occurred in 3 patients, and medial malleolus fracture occurred in 4 patients. Conclusion: Combined TAA was a reliable procedure for the treatment of not only ankle OA following avascular necrosis of talus but also of degeneration of both ankle and subtalar joints. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Midterm Survivorship of the INBONE II Total Ankle Arthroplasty

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110600
Author(s):  
Oliver J. Gagne ◽  
Jonathan Day ◽  
Jaeyoung Kim ◽  
Kristin Caolo ◽  
Martin J. O’Malley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Data ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cyst Formation ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Metallic Component ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: The use of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in the treatment of ankle arthritis has grown substantially as advancements are made in design and surgical technique. Among the criteria guiding the choice between arthroplasty and arthrodesis, the long-term survival and postoperative outcomes are of crucial importance. Although outcomes of the INBONE I have been published, there is limited midterm survival data for the INBONE II. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic and patient-reported outcomes, and survivorship of this prosthesis in patients with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively identified 51 ankles (46 patients) from 2010 to 2015 who underwent TAA with the INBONE II prosthesis at our institution. Of these, 44 cases had minimum clinical follow-up of 5 years (mean, 6.4; range 5-9). Median age was 66 years (range 42-81) and median BMI was 27.5 (range 20.1-33.0). A chart review was performed to record the incidence of revision and reoperation. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were analyzed to assess the coronal tibiotalar alignment (TTA), the talar inclination angle, and the presence of periprosthetic lucencies and cyst formation. Preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales were compared. Survivorship was determined by incidence of revision, defined as removal of a metallic component. Results: The survivorship at 5 years was 98% and the rate of reoperation was 7.8% (n = 4); 2 patients underwent irrigation and debridement for infection, 1 patient underwent a medializing calcaneal osteotomy, and 1 patient underwent open gutter debridement, 1 patient underwent a revision of a subsided talar component at 3.2 years after index surgery. Average postoperative TTA was 88.6 degrees, with 42 rated as neutral (85-95 degrees), 2 varus (<85 degrees), and no valgus (>95 degrees) ankles. At final follow-up, asymptomatic periprosthetic cysts were observed in 8 patients. All FAOS domain scores improved between preoperative and final follow-up. Conclusion: At midterm follow-up, we observed significant improvement in radiographic alignment and patient-reported outcome scores for the INBONE II total ankle prosthesis. In addition, this cohort has had a relatively low reoperation rate and high survivorship. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

scholarly journals Early Outcomes and Complications Following Initiation of a Total Ankle Arthroplasty Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 247301142098578
Author(s):  
Gregory Lundeen ◽  
Kaitlin C. Neary ◽  
Cody Kaiser ◽  
Lyle Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Intraoperative Complications ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Radiographic Evaluation ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Intermediate Outcomes

Background: Surgeons who lack experience with total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) may remain hesitant to introduce this procedure owing to previously published results of high complication rates during initial cases. The purpose of the present study was to report the development of a TAA program through intermediate outcomes and complications for an initial consecutive series of TAA patients of a single community-based foot and ankle fellowship–trained orthopedic surgeon with little TAA experience using a co-surgeon with similar training and TAA exposure. Methods: The initial 20 patients following third-generation TAA with a single surgeon were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were measured and radiographs were evaluated to determine postoperative implant and ankle position. Complications were also measured including intraoperative, early (<3 months), and intermediate postoperative complications. Results: With a minimum follow-up of 2 years and average follow-up of 51 months (range 24-70 months), the mean American Orthopaedic Ankle & Foot Society Ankle-Hindfoot score was 87.7 (59-100) and VAS was 1.0 (0-5.5). All patients were improved following TAA. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated no evidence of component malalignment or ankle joint incongruity. There were no intraoperative complications nor any wound complications. Three patients returned to the operating room for placement of medial malleolar screw placement, and 1 had asymptomatic tibial component subsidence. Conclusions: Orthopedic surgeons with a proper background and updated training may be able to perform TAA with good outcomes. A TAA program was developed to define minimum training criteria to perform this procedure in our community. Our complication rate is consistent with those reported in the literature for experienced TAA centers, which contrasts previous literature suggesting increased complication rates and worse outcomes when surgeons perform initial TAAs. Utilization of an orthopedic co-surgeon was felt to be instrumental in the success of the program. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

scholarly journals Increased Early Revision Rate With the INFINITY Total Ankle Prosthesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Cody ◽  
Michel A. Taylor ◽  
James A. Nunley ◽  
Selene G. Parekh ◽  
James K. DeOrio
Keyword(s):  
Tibial Component ◽  
Revision Rate ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Early Revision ◽  
Component Loosening

Background: A number of new 2-component total ankle arthroplasty systems that emphasize minimal bone resection have been introduced for which few clinical outcomes reports are available. Our aim was to identify the rate of early revision among patients receiving the 2-component INFINITY prosthesis. Methods: Patients from 2 prospectively collected databases at the authors’ institution were screened for inclusion in the present study. All patients who underwent a primary total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with the INFINITY prosthesis and who were at least 1 year postoperative were included. A total of 159 ankles with a mean 20 months of follow up (range, 12-37) met these criteria. All surgeries were performed by 1 of 2 orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons with extensive experience in TAA. The primary outcome was the need for revision surgery, defined as removal of 1 or both metal components. Peri-implant lucency at most recent follow-up was a secondary outcome. Weightbearing radiographs at most recent follow-up were graded for lucency independently by 2 reviewers. Results: Sixteen ankles (10%) underwent revision at a mean 13 months postoperatively. The most common reasons for revision were symptomatic tibial component loosening and deep infection (6 patients each, 3.8%). Of the 108 ankles with retained components and at least 1 year of radiographic follow-up, 8 (7.4%) had global lucency around the tibial component suggestive of loosening at most recent follow-up. Conclusions: Our initial review of patients undergoing TAA with this new 2-component prosthesis demonstrates an elevated early revision rate due to tibial component loosening compared to other implant systems. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Hindfoot Alignment Change After Total Ankle Arthroplasty for Varus Osteoarthritis

2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072097093
Author(s):  
Hyuck Sung Son ◽  
Jung Gyu Choi ◽  
Jungtae Ahn ◽  
Bi O Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Deformity Correction ◽  
Varus Deformity ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Hindfoot Alignment ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Surface Angle

Background: In patients with end-stage varus ankle osteoarthritis (OA), hindfoot varus malalignment resulting from the varus deformity of the ankle joint is common. Although total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) performed to correct varus deformity of the ankle joint has the effect of correcting hindfoot alignment, no reports to date have described how much hindfoot alignment correction can be achieved. The purpose of this study was to identify correlation between ankle deformity correction and hindfoot alignment change after performing TAA in patients with end-stage varus ankle OA. Methods: A total of 61 cases that underwent TAA for end-stage varus ankle OA and followed up for at least 1 year were enrolled for this study. Correlation between changes of tibial-ankle surface angle (TAS), talar tilt (TT), and tibiotalar surface angle (TTS) and changes of hindfoot alignment angle (HA), hindfoot alignment ratio (HR), and hindfoot alignment distance (HD) measured preoperatively and at postoperative year 1 was analyzed. Results: TAS, TT, and TTS changed from 83.9 ± 4.1 degrees, 5.8 ± 5.0 degrees, and 78.1 ± 5.9 degrees, respectively, before operation to 89.2 ± 2.1 degrees, 0.4 ± 0.5 degrees, and 88.7 ± 2.3 degrees, respectively, after operation. HA, HR, and HD also changed from −9.2 ± 4.6 degrees, 0.66 ± 0.18, and −11.2 ± 6.9 mm to −3.7 ± 4.1 degrees, 0.48 ± 0.14, and −5.0 ± 5.3 mm. All the changes were statistically significant ( P < .001, respectively). The regression slope of correlation was 0.390 ( R2 = 0.654) between TTS and HA; 0.017 ( R2 = 0.617) between TTS and HR; and 0.560 ( R2 = 0.703) between TTS and HD. Conclusion: In patients with end-stage varus ankle OA, changes of hindfoot alignment could be predicted based on degree of ankle deformity corrected with TAA. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Ankle Salvage Following Nonunion of Distal Tibia Fractures

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1210-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Lovisetti ◽  
Alexander Kirienko ◽  
Charles Myerson ◽  
Ettore Vulcano
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Distal Tibia ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Radiographic Evaluation ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Aofas Score ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
American Orthopaedic

Background: Nonunions of the distal tibia in close proximity to the ankle joint can be a challenge to treat. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent ankle-sparing bone transport for periarticular distal tibial nonunions. Methods: Twenty-one patients underwent ankle-sparing bone transport between January 2006 and July 2016. The mean age of the patients was 48.6 years, and 71% (15/21) were male. Patients were followed for an average of 14.6 months (range, 10.6-17.7 months), with an average of 8.6 months in-frame. Thirteen of 21 patients had infected nonunions. Primary endpoints included time to union and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Results: All fractures achieved union. Mean time to union was 37.4 weeks. Mean AOFAS score was 86.3 points (range, 37-100). A score of 37 was observed in 1 patient with preexisting Charcot foot. Radiographic evaluation at 6 months revealed a mean lateral distal tibial angle of 89.2 degrees and a mean anterior distal tibial angle of 76 degrees. Leg length discrepancy was less than 1.2 cm in all patients. Superficial pin infection was observed in 7 patients, and operative wound infection at the level of bone resection was observed in 3 patients. Conclusion: The ankle-sparing bone transport technique was an effective alternative to bone graft and arthrodesis for the treatment of periarticular nonunions of the distal tibia and was safe for use in patients with infected nonunions in close proximity to the ankle joint. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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