Effect of Travel Time and Distance on Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Surgeons who perform a higher volume of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) are known to have decreased complication rates; evidence shows that low volume centers performing TAA have decreased survivorship when compared with high volume centers. Understanding differences in outcomes for patients traveling different distances for their TAA is important for future patients deciding where to travel for their surgery. No study has previously examined differences in outcomes of patients traveling different distances to a high volume center for their TAA. This study compares preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores for patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty who traveled less than and more than 50 miles for their TAA. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in outcome scores based on distance traveled or estimated drive time. Methods: This study is a single center retrospective review of 162 patients undergoing primary total ankle arthroplasty between January 2016 and December 2018. We collected the primary address as listed in the patient’s medical record and used the directions feature on Google Maps to estimate driving mileage and estimated driving time from the patient’s address to the hospital. To analyze the distance patients traveled, patients were divided into two groups: <50 miles traveled (n=91) and >50 miles traveled (n=71). To analyze the estimated drive time, patients were divided into two groups: <90 minutes (n=77), >90 minutes (n=85). We collected preoperative and most recent postoperative PROMIS scores for all patients. Differences in most recent post-operative PROMIS scores between distance groups and travel time groups were assessed using multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for the pre-operative score and follow-up time. Results: We found no significant difference in post-operative PROMIS scores between the two groups when analyzed for distance traveled or for estimated travel time after adjustment for pre-operative PROMIS score and follow-up time (Table 1). The average follow-up for all 162 patients was 1.49 years. Power analysis showed that with a sample size of 110 (55 in each group), we had 81% power to detect an effect size of 4. Patients saw an increase in their Physical Function scores and a decrease in their Pain Interference and Pain Intensity scores with postoperative scores better than population means (Table 1). Overall complication rate for the <50 miles group was 17.6%, 7.7% required surgery. The >50 miles group had an overall complication rate of 24.0%, 9.9% required surgery. Conclusion: Patients traveling further distances to a high volume orthopedic specialty hospital for their total ankle arthroplasty do not have different clinical outcomes than patients traveling shorter distances. This is particularly important for patients deciding where to have their total ankle arthroplasty surgery. Patients who travel further have the opportunity to be treated at a local academic center; however our results show that outcomes do not change when traveling further for total ankle arthroplasty. [Table: see text]

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Radiographic Outcomes of Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Arthroplasty for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100719851469 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (9) ◽

pp. 1037-1042

Author(s):

Koichiro Yano ◽

Katsunori Ikari ◽

Ken Okazaki

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Tibial Component ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Mobile Bearing ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Radiographic Outcomes ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported

Background: Ankle disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reduce their quality of life and activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to evaluate the midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes of TAA in patients with RA. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. A total of 37 RA patients (39 ankles) were enrolled in this study from August 2006 to March 2016. All the patients had undergone primary cemented mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Nine ankles received arthrodesis of the subtalar joint simultaneously. Patient-reported outcomes were measured preoperatively and at the latest follow-up by Self-Administered Foot-Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Radiographs of the ankle were analyzed preoperatively and at all follow-up visits to measure the periprosthetic radiolucent line, migration of the tibial component, and the subsidence of the talar component. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The average duration of follow-up for the entire cohort was 5.0 ± 2.0 years (range 2.1-10.1 years). Results: All subscales of the SAFE-Q had improved significantly at the latest follow-up. No significant difference was found between the range of motion of the ankle before and after the surgery. Radiolucent lines were observed in 28 (73.7%) ankles. Migration of the tibial component and subsidence of the talar component were found in 8 (21.1%) and 11 (28.9%) ankles, respectively. Intraoperative malleolus fractures occurred in 3 (7.7%) ankles and delayed wound healing in 10 (25.6%) ankles. Four ankles were removed because of deep infection or noninfective loosening, resulting in an implant survival rate of 88.4% (95% CI, 0.76-1.0) at 10 years. Conclusion: The midterm patient-reported outcomes and implant retention rate after cemented mobile-bearing TAA for RA patients were satisfactory. However, a low radiographic implant success rate was observed. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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The Impact of Pre-Operative Mental Health and Depression on Outcomes after Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00180 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0018

Author(s):

Daniel J. Cunningham ◽

John Steele ◽

Samuel B. Adams

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Change Scores ◽

Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Impact

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Poor pre-operative mental health and depression have been shown to negatively impact patient- reported outcomes (PROMs) after a broad array of orthopaedic procedures involving the spine, hip, knee, shoulder, and hand. However, the relationship of mental health and patient-reported outcomes in foot and ankle surgery is less clear. The purpose of this study is to characterize the impact of pre-operative mental health and depression on patient-reported outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty. The study hypothesis is that depression and decreased SF36 MCS will be significantly associated with diminished improvement in PROMs after total ankle arthroplasty. Methods: All patients undergoing primary TAA between January 2007 and December 2016 who were enrolled into a prospective, observational study and who had at least 1 to 2-year minimum study follow-up were included. Patients were separated into 4 groups based on the presence or absence of SF36 MCS<35 and diagnosis of depression. Pre-operative to post- operative change scores in the SF36 physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS), Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) function and bother components, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain were calculated in 1 to 2-year follow-up. Multivariable, main effects linear regression models were constructed to evaluate the impact of SF36 and depression status on pre-operative to 1 to 2-year follow-up change scores with adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, current smoking, American Society of Anesthesiologist’s score, smoking, and Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score. Results: As in Table 1, adjusted analyses demonstrated that patients with MCS<35 and depression had significantly lower improvements in all change scores including SF36 MCS (-5.1 points) and PCS (-7.6 points), SMFA bother (6 points) and function scores (5.7 points), and VAS pain (7.5 points) compared with patients that had SF36>=35 and no depression. Patients with MCS<35 and no depression had significantly greater improvement in SF36 MCS (5.3 points) compared with patients that had MCS>=35 and no depression. Patients with MCS>=35 and depression had significantly lower improvement in SF36 MCS (-3.2 points) compared with patients that had MCS>=35 and no depression. Adjusted analyses of minimum 5-year outcomes demonstrated significantly increased improvement in MCS and SMFA function for patients with pre-operative MCS<35 and no depression. Conclusion: Presence of depression and decreased SF36 MCS are risk factors for diminished improvement in PROMs. Patients with depression and decreased MCS should be counseled about their risk of diminished improvement in outcomes compared to peers. As PROM’s become part of physician evaluations, it is becoming increasingly important to identify factors for diminished improvement outside of the physician’s control. [Table: see text]

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Nottingham Experience with The Fixed Bearing Infinity Total Ankle Replacement

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00424 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0042

Author(s):

Hatem Salem-Saqer ◽

Martin Raglan ◽

Sunil Dhar

Keyword(s):

Complication Rate ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Total Ankle Replacement ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Implant Design ◽

Fixed Bearing ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Ankle Replacement ◽

End Stage

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly used for treatment of end stage arthritis of the ankle; improvements continue to evolve in implant design and instrumentation. We present our experience of the Infinity Total Ankle Arthroplasty (Wright Medical), a fixed bearing 4th generation implant with improved instrumentation Methods: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. From October 2016 to July 2019, we identified 92 (52M/40F) who had the infinity Total Ankle Replacement. This review is of 70 patients with a minimum of 1 year follow up (33M,37F). The mean age was 67.5 years (33-87); 32 right side and 38 left no bilaterals. The indication for surgery was end stage Osteoarthritis in 52, post traumatic arthritis 12, inflammatory arthritis 4, conversion of fusion to TAR 2. The preoperative deformity was graded according to the COFAS classification. All patients had follow up at 6 weeks, 3,6 and 12 months and then annually, with MOXFQ questionnaire and weight bearing radiographs. Results: TAA was performed with the use of fluoroscopy. 77% (54/70) had concomitant procedures as listed in Table.5% (4/70) had complications consisting of, 1 DVT, 1 intra operative medial malleolus fracture, 1 EHL tendon laceration and 1 wound break down. There were no deep or superficial infections. Improvement in clinical outcome and PROMS data was noted on follow up. The MOXFQ for Pain improved from 72 pre-op to 25 at 1year (p<0.001). The outcome for Walking improved from 83 pre-op to 30 at one year (p<0.001). Radiological alignment was maintained asymptomatic posterior heterotopic ossification was noted in 23(16%) patients, lucent lines under the tibial implant were noted in 4 ankles and 1 fibula erosion. 2 TAA (3%) needed to be revised due to malpositioning. Conclusion: Our results show significant improvement in patient outcomes, a short recovery time and marked improvement in mobility post operatively with a very low complication rate, we had no deep infection to date. Two implants were revised which we attribute to the learning curve at the start of practice. This implant is fluoroscopically navigated allowing precise implantation with dedicated instrumentation and we feel this attributed to the low complication rate and good results in our short-term study [Table: see text]

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A Comparative Analysis of Short Term Postoperative Complications in Outpatient vs. Inpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011418s00426 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011418S0042 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ashish Shah ◽

Henry DeBell ◽

Chandler Tedder ◽

Zachariah Pinter ◽

Sameer Naranje ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Renal Failure ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

Operating Room ◽

Ankle Arthrodesis ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Inpatient Setting ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Significant Difference

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthritis is a potentially debilitating disease with approximately 50,000 cases diagnosed annually. Once conservative management fails, surgical options for these patients include total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle arthrodesis. Younger, more active patients may prefer TAA as it may allow better ankle mobility compared to ankle arthrodesis. TAA has historically been performed in the inpatient setting with a one- to two-night postoperative hospital stay. Outpatient surgeries are gaining popularity due to their cost effectiveness, decreased length of hospital stay, and convenience. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the safety of specific procedures in the outpatient setting compared to the inpatient setting. This study evaluates the complication rates in inpatient vs. outpatient TAA. Methods: Our team conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 591 patients receiving inpatient and outpatient TAA from the NSQIP database. This database contains de-identified patient data and allows retrospective analyses to be performed based on data they have extracted from over 400 hospitals. Demographic information was recorded including age, sex, weight, height, and race. Thirty-day postoperative complication rates were compared between 66 outpatients and 535 inpatients. Frequencies of the following complications were analyzed: wound complications, pneumonia, hematologic complications (pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis), renal failure, stroke, and return to the operating room within 30 days. The inpatient and outpatient groups were compared using chi-squared tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables. Results: 591 total patients were identified that underwent TAA. 66 patients (11.1%) were treated as outpatients and 525 (88.8%) as inpatients. Inpatient TAA had a significantly higher mean operation time (161 min vs 148 min) and a significant difference in length of total hospital stay (2.3 days vs 1.1 days). Inpatients had higher rates of superficial incisional surgical site infection (SSI) (0.57% vs 0%), deep SSI (0.19 % vs 0%), organ/space SSI (0.19% vs 0%), pneumonia (0.38% vs 0%), and return to the operating room (0.76% to 0%). However, no significant differences were found in complication rates between inpatient and outpatient groups. There were no occurrences of acute renal failure, wound disruption, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or DVT/thrombophlebitis for inpatients or outpatients. Conclusion: We found no significant difference between inpatient vs. outpatient TAA. Incidental differences we found were that inpatients were significantly more likely to be older in age, diagnosed with diabetes, and inpatients had longer operative times. Our results suggest that inpatients are more likely, but not significantly, to have a higher occurrence of complications and return to the OR. Therefore, this study suggests that outpatient TAA is safe and may be a superior option for the correct patient population. Further investigation is warranted to verify these conclusions.

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A Review of Perioperative Complications of Outpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100717738748 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 143-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Todd R. Borenstein ◽

Kapil Anand ◽

Quanlin Li ◽

Timothy P. Charlton ◽

David B. Thordarson

Keyword(s):

Wound Infection ◽

Pain Control ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Case Series ◽

Arterial Occlusion ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Wound Breakdown

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is commonly pursued for patients with painful arthritis. Outpatient TAA are increasingly common and have been shown to decrease costs compared to inpatient surgery. However, there are very few studies examining the safety of outpatient TAA. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive patients who received outpatient TAA to identify complication rates. Methods: The medical records of 65 consecutive outpatient TAA from October 2012 to May 2016 with a minimum 6-month follow-up were reviewed. All patients received popliteal and saphenous blocks prior to surgery and were managed with oral pain medication postoperatively. All received a STAR total ankle. Demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and perioperative complications including wound breakdown, infection, revision, and nonrevision surgeries were observed. Mean follow-up was 16.6 ± 9.1 months (range, 6-42 months). Results: There were no readmissions for pain control and 1 patient had a wound infection. The overall complication rate was 15.4%. One ankle (1.5%) had a wound breakdown requiring debridement and flap coverage. This patient thrombosed a popliteal artery stent 1 month postop. The 1 ankle (1.5%) with a wound infection occurred in a patient with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the safety of outpatient TAA. The combination of regional anesthesia and oral narcotics provided a satisfactory experience with no readmissions for pain control and 1 wound infection. The 1 wound breakdown complication (1.5%) was attributed to arterial occlusion and not outpatient management. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Does Gender Influence the Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Patients with Ankle Osteoarthritis?

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17831/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gun-Woo Lee ◽

Keun-Bae Lee

Keyword(s):

Mobile Bearing ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Gender Influence ◽

Implant Survivorship ◽

The Difference ◽

American Orthopaedic

Abstract Background: Total ankle arthroplasty has progressed as a treatment option for patients with ankle osteoarthritis. However, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of gender on the outcome. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate outcomes, survivorship, and complications rates of total ankle arthroplasty, according to gender differences. Methods: This study included 187 patients (195 ankles) that underwent mobile-bearing HINTEGRA prosthesis at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (range, 4 to 14). The two groups consisted of a men’s group (106 patients, 109 ankles) and a women’s group (81 patients, 86 ankles). Average age was 64.4 years (range, 45 to 83). Results: Clinical scores on the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale for pain and disability, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups at the final follow-up. There were no significant differences in complication rates and implant survivorship between the two groups. The overall survival rate was 96.4% in men and 93.4% in women at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (p=0.621). Conclusions: Clinical outcomes, complication rates, and survivorship of total ankle arthroplasty were comparable between men and women. These results suggest that gender did not seem affect outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty in patients with ankle osteoarthritis.

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Mid-Term (4-10 year) Outcomes of INBONE I Total Ankle Arthroplasty with Deformity Analysis

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000190 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0001

Author(s):

Andrew Harston ◽

James Nunley ◽

Mark Easley ◽

James DeOrio ◽

Samuel Adams ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Short Form ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Coronal Plane ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Plane Deformity

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Concerns for limited coronal plane stability prompted the manufacturer and designers of the INBONE total ankle arthroplasty system to replace the original saddle-shaped talar component (INBONE I) with a sulcus-shaped talar component (INBONE II). Prior to the availability of the INBONE II talar component, numerous INBONE I total ankle replacements were performed. To our knowledge mid-term outcomes of INBONE I total ankle arthroplasty have not been reported. This study compares the mid-term outcomes of patients with and without preoperative coronal plane deformity who underwent total ankle replacement with the INBONE I prosthesis. In our opinion, the longer-term outcomes of the INBONE I prosthesis are important for patient and surgeon education. Methods: A consecutive series of patients, from May, 2007 to September, 2011, at a single institution who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the INBONE I Total Ankle Arthroplasty (Wright Medical) were prospectively enrolled. Pain and patient- reported function were assessed preoperatively and at yearly follow-ups with use of a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle- hindfoot score, the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. We analyzed the data for complications, reoperations, and failures (defined as undergoing revision for exchange or removal of the metallic components for any reason). Patients were grouped according to coronal plane tibiotalar alignment (preoperative coronal plane malalignment of >10 degrees and <10 degrees deformity) and outcomes compared. Results: One-hundred fifty-five INBONE I prostheses were implanted in 151 patients, with minimum 4 year clinical and radiographic follow-up. Follow-up ranged from 48-113 months with an average of 67 months. There was significant (p<0.05) improvement in the VAS, AOFAS, SMFA, and SF-36 scores at most recent follow-up. Forty-five patients (29%) had 49 additional surgeries for impingement, loosening/subsidence, malalignment, ligament instability, polyethylene exchange, and/or infection. There were 14 implant failures with overall survivorship of 90.3%. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between patients with coronal plane deformity >10 degrees (47.7%) and <10 degrees (52.3%). Patients with >10 degrees had fewer reoperations (19 vs. 30) and fewer revisions (5 vs. 9) when compared to patients with <10 degrees deformity. Conclusion: Patients who underwent INBONE I total ankle arthroplasty demonstrated significant improvement in pain and patient-reported outcomes at a mean of 5.7 years post-operatively. The patients with preoperative coronal plane tibiotalar deformity had similar pain relief, function, and need for additional surgeries and revisions. Despite the presumed shortcomings of the INBONE I’s saddle-shaped talar design, this operation shows promising results, with or without deformity, at mid-term follow- up with survivorship of 90.3%.

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Perioperative Complications of Outpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000122 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0001

Author(s):

Todd Borenstein ◽

David B. Thordarson ◽

Timothy P. Charlton ◽

Stephanie Chen

Keyword(s):

Revision Surgery ◽

Outpatient Surgery ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Arterial Occlusion ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Outpatient Management ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Wound Breakdown

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is commonly pursued for patients with painful arthritis. As the number of TAA increases, so too will the associated economic burden. In the current healthcare environment, savings are in the national spotlight. Studies of total joint arthroplasty (THA and TKA) have demonstrated that outpatient surgery decreases surgical costs.1,2 Additionally, outpatient THA and TKA have not been associated with increased complication or readmission rates.3–6 Outpatient TAA are becoming more common which may lead to decreased costs of care. Despite the potential savings, TAA remains an “inpatient-only procedure” for Medicare patients. Currently, there are no clinical studies examining the safety of outpatient TAA. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive outpatient TAA to identify complication rates and patient risk factors. Methods: The medical records of 65 consecutive outpatient TAA from October 2012 to May 2016 with a minimum of 6-month follow-up were reviewed. All patients received popliteal and saphenous blocks with bupivacaine and epinephrine prior to surgery and were managed with oral NSAID and narcotic pain medication post-operatively. All patients received a STAR total ankle prosthesis. Demographics, comorbidities, ASA and perioperative complications including wound breakdown, infection, revision and non-revision surgeries were compared to historic controls. Mean follow up was 16.6 +/- 9.1 months (range, 6-42 months). Results: The overall complication rate in this series was 21.8%. One ankle (1.5%) had a wound breakdown requiring debridement and flap coverage. This patient had a history of Polycythemia Vera with re-thrombosis of their popliteal artery one month after TAA surgery. Two ankles (3%) had deep infections. Nine ankles (13.8%) required non-revision surgery. Three ankles (4.6%) required posterior capsular release, one ankle (1.5%) required medial malleolar screws for symptomatic stress reaction, and three ankles (4.6%) required arthroscopic or open gutter release. Two ankles (3%) required revision surgery. One for talar component subsidence in a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth managed with an arthrodesis at eleven months. The other revision was performed for aseptic tibial component loosening and managed with conversion to an INBONE prosthesis at seven months. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the safety of outpatient TAA. The combination of regional anesthesia and oral narcotics provided a satisfactory outpatient experience and zero patients required readmission for pain control. The one wound complication (1.5%) was attributed to arterial occlusion and not outpatient management. This compares to the 6.6-28% wound breakdown rate found in the literature.7–10 Our revision surgery rate (3%) was comparable to the 3.1-16.5% rate found in the literature, and was also not attributed to outpatient management.7–10 We feel this demonstrates that outpatient TAA can be performed safely.

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

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420985780 ◽

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.

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Defining Responders vs Non-Responders After Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011419s00408 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011419S0040

Author(s):

John R. Steele ◽

Daniel J. Cunningham ◽

James K. DeOrio ◽

James A. Nunley ◽

Mark E. Easley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Successful Outcome ◽

Function Score ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: The literature for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) demonstrates significant improvements in patient- reported outcomes. While these reports focus on the overall study population, it is clear that some patients do not have a successful outcome. In regards to total hip and knee arthroplasty there is literature helping to define responders, or those who achieve a clinical improvement above the level of a minimally clinically important difference. However, characteristics of responders versus non-responders to TAA have not been defined. The purpose of this study was to determine patient comorbidities and characteristics that help distinguish responders from non-responders after TAA. Methods: Patients undergoing TAA between 1/2007 and 12/2016 were enrolled into a prospective study at a single academic center. Patients completed multiple patient reported outcome measures before surgery and in follow-up including the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Patients were characterized as responders if their 2-year follow-up SMFA function score increased by 50% or more compared to preoperatively and were characterized as non-responders if their SMFA score increased by less than 50% at 2-year follow-up, consistent with OMERACT–OARSI responder criteria. Patient and operative factors along with prevalent pre-operative comorbidities were then associated with responder or non-responder status. Comorbidities that met a significance threshold of p<0.05 in adjusted analyses were incorporated into multivariable outcome models. Results: A total of 492 patients with complete data and 2-year follow-up were included in this study. Based on the SMFA function score improvement cutoff of at least 50% at 2-year follow-up, 332 patients were defined as responders and 160 were defined as non-responders. There was no significant difference between pre-operative SMFA function scores between the groups. Responders had significantly higher preoperative SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores (p<0.001) and significantly lower rates of rheumatoid arthritis (p<0.001), obesity (p=0.05) and depression (p=0.026) as compared to non-responders. In multivariate analysis, preoperative SF-36 MCS score was found to be significantly associated with responder status (p=0.0056). Conclusion: Patients defined as responders after TAA based on 50% or greater improvement in SMFA function scores at 2-year follow-up had significantly higher pre-operative SF-36 MCS scores and significantly lower rates of rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and depression compared to non-responders. Pre-operative SF-36 MCS score was found to be significantly associated with responder status in multivariate analysis. This suggests that patients with depressive symptoms, but not necessarily a diagnosis of depression may not achieve as favorable results after TAA and should be counseled appropriately.

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