Ankle Replacement Surgery Research Articles

Deep learning-based automated angle measurement for flatfoot diagnosis in weight-bearing lateral radiographs

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep learning-based system for the automatic measurement of angles (specifically, Meary’s angle and calcaneal pitch) in weight-bearing lateral radiographs of the foot for flatfoot diagnosis. We utilized 3960 lateral radiographs, either from the left or right foot, sourced from a pool of 4000 patients to construct and evaluate a deep learning-based model. These radiographs were captured between June and November 2021, and patients who had undergone total ankle replacement surgery or ankle arthrodesis surgery were excluded. Various methods, including correlation analysis, Bland–Altman plots, and paired T-tests, were employed to assess the concordance between the angles automatically measured using the system and those assessed by clinical experts. The evaluation dataset comprised 150 weight-bearing radiographs from 150 patients. In all test cases, the angles automatically computed using the deep learning-based system were in good agreement with the reference standards (Meary’s angle: Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) = 0.964, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.963, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.963, p-value = 0.632, mean absolute error (MAE) = 1.59°; calcaneal pitch: PCC = 0.988, ICC = 0.987, CCC = 0.987, p-value = 0.055, MAE = 0.63°). The average time required for angle measurement using only the CPU to execute the deep learning-based system was 11 ± 1 s. The deep learning-based automatic angle measurement system, a tool for diagnosing flatfoot, demonstrated comparable accuracy and reliability with the results obtained by medical professionals for patients without internal fixation devices.

THE SURVIVAL OF TOTAL ANKLE ARTHROPLASTIES: A DATA LINKAGE STUDY FROM THE NATIONAL JOINT REGISTRY

IntroductionDespite the increasing numbers of ankle replacements that are being performed there are still limited studies on the survival of ankle replacements and comparisons between different implants. The primary aim of this study is to link NJR data with NHS digital data to determine the true failure rates of ankle replacements. Secondary outcomes include analysis risk factors for failure, patient demographics and outcomes of individual prosthesis.MethodsA data linkage study combined National Joint Registry Data and NHS Digital data. The primary outcome of failure is defined as the removal or exchange of any components of the implanted device inserted during ankle replacement surgery. Life tables and Kaplan Meier survival charts demonstrated survivorship. Cox proportional hazards regression models with the Breslow method used for ties were fitted to compare failure rates.Results5,562 primary ankle replacement were recorded on the NJR. The 1-year survivorship was 98.8% (95% CI 98.4%–99.0%), 5-year survival in 2725 patients was 90.2% (95% CI 89.2%–91.1%), and 10-year survival in 199 patients was 86.2% (95% CI 84.6%–87.6%).When using a Cox regression model for all implants with over 100 implantations using the Infinity as the reference, only the Star (Hazard ratio 1.60 95% CI 0.87–2.96) and Inbone (HR 0.38 95% CI 0.05–2.84) did not produce significantly worse survivorship.ConclusionAnkle replacements have increased in numbers over the past decade, and the currently used implants have lower failure rates than older prosthesis. It is expected that in the future the outcomes of ankle replacements will continue to improve.

Soft Tissue Balancing on Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

Soft Tissue Balancing on Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

Outcomes of total ankle replacement – Current evidence

Total ankle replacement surgery is gaining popularity and is beginning to establish itself as a viable alternative to arthrodesis in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Only a few studies exist directly comparing these 2 techniques. Also lacking are the long-term outcome studies of ankle replacement surgery. A better understanding of clinical and patient-reported outcome measures after ankle fusion and replacement will enable the surgeon to better counsel the patient and help choose the right treatment. This article will summarise the reported clinical outcomes after total ankle replacements and survivorship analysis from the various national arthroplasty registers.

The Burden of Revision Total Ankle Replacement Has Markedly Increased from 2010 to 2020

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle replacement (TAR) surgery has steadily increased in recent decades. The aim of the current study was to investigate the evolving burden of revision surgery and risk factors and timing of revision or implant removal. We hypothesized that there has been an increase in revision TAR and explant surgeries in the past decade and that younger age and higher comorbidity burden are risk factors for revision and explant. Methods: Using the 2010-2020 PearlDiver M151Ortho dataset, this retrospective cohort study identified primary TAR, TAR revision, and TAR explant patients. This is a large national database containing billing claims information on over 151 million patients in the United States across all payer types and sites of care. Patient factors investigated included age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI, a longitudinal measure of patient comorbidity burden generated using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes). Annual incidence for primary and revision TAR, and explant were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors for revision TAR or explant relative to primary TAR. For explants, the eventual intervention by two years was analyzed. Ten-year timing and survival to revision or explant surgery following patient-matched unilateral TAR were characterized. Results: Over the study period, there were 10,531 primary, 1,218 revision, and 1,735 explant TARs (increasing by 310%, 398%, and 9.6%, respectively). Independent predictors of revision TAR included: younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.29 per decade decrease) and higher ECI (OR 1.23 per 2-point increase) (p < 0.0001 for both). Independent predictors of explant surgery included: younger age (OR 1.80 per decade decrease, p< 0.0001), female sex (OR 1.17, p=0.0011), and higher ECI (OR 1.35 per 2-point increase, p< 0.0001). Explanted patients went on to arthrodesis (37.7%), amputation (26.1%), revision TAR (14.7%), or no identified procedure/other procedures (21.5%) within the subsequent two years. The 10-year implant survival rate following primary TAR was 91.8%. 73% and 83% of revisions and explants occurred in the first three years following index TAR, respectively. Conclusion: The burden of TAR revision has grown substantially over the past decade. Younger age, female sex, and higher patient comorbidity burden were associated with increased risk of revision or explant surgery. If explant is pursued, most went on to arthrodesis or amputation. These results suggest that care should be taken in patient selection for TAR to minimize the occurrence of revision and explant surgery. Treatment algorithms should be modified to optimize outcomes among patients who undergo explant or revision surgery.

The Burden of Revision Total Ankle Replacement Has Increased From 2010 to 2020.

Total ankle replacement (TAR) surgery has increased in recent decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolving burden of revision surgery and risk factors and timing of revision or explant. Using the 2010 to 2020 PearlDiver M151Ortho data set, this retrospective cohort study identified primary TAR, TAR revision, and TAR explant patients via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Disease Procedural (ICD-P) codes. This database contains billing claims information across all payers and sites of care in the United States. Patient factors investigated included age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). Annual incidence for primary TAR was normalized per 100 000 covered lives in the data set for each year of study and recorded. Annual incidence of revision TAR and explant were normalized per 100 TARs performed for each year of study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors for revision TAR or explant. For explants, the eventual intervention by 2 years was analyzed. Ten-year timing and survival to revision or explant surgery following unilateral TAR were characterized. A total of 10 531 primary, 1218 revision, and 1735 explant TARs were identified. After normalization, TAR utilization increased by 284% from 2010 to 2020, annual TAR revisions rose 28%, and annual TAR explants decreased 65%. Independent predictors of revision TAR were younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.29 per decade decrease) and higher ECI (OR 1.23 per 2-point increase). Independent predictors of explant included younger age (OR 1.80 per decade decrease), female sex (OR 1.17), and higher ECI (OR 1.35 per 2-point increase). The 10-year implant survival rate was 91.8%, of which 73% of revisions and 83% of explants occurred in the first 3 years following index TAR. TAR utilization has grown substantially over the past decade, with minimal increases in the annual rate of revision surgery with respect to index procedures performed. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Laser-Guided Intraoperative Navigation in Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser-guided intraoperative navigation compared with the conventional method in determining the accuracy of coronal alignment setting in total ankle replacement (TAR). Sixteen cadaveric ankles were randomly divided into two groups: laser-guided and conventional. Measurements were performed following coronal alignment setting in each ankle. All parameters were collected and compared between the two groups to determine the accuracy of coronal alignment setting regarding localization of possible mechanical axis (PMA) from each method. These parameters included the distance from the most medial point of tibial surface (TS) (intra-articular part) to the marked point that was possibly close to MA (MM-PMA). There were no significant differences between the two groups; however, there was a trend toward more neutralization of PMA in the laser-guided group in terms of MM-PMA distance (P = 0.19). In addition, the ratio of MM-PMA to TS demonstrated that the axis closer to the actual mechanical axis (AMA) with medial deviation was only 0.6% in laser group, whereas the axis caused increased lateralization from AMA in the conventional group, which was as high as 4.4% (P = 0.15). Despite the limited sample size and insignificant differences of outcomes between the two groups, laser-guided intraoperative navigation provided higher accuracy of coronal alignment setting than the conventional method in TAR.

A Cohort Study of Risk Factors for Failure of Total Ankle Replacements: A Data Linkage Study using the National Joint Registry and NHS Digital

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Despite the increasing numbers of ankle replacements that are being performed there are still limited studies on the survival of ankle replacements and which factors influence survivorship comparisons between different implants. The primary aim of this study is to link NJR data with NHS digital data to determine the true failure rates of ankle replacements and to determine the risk factors for failure of total ankle replacements Methods: A data linkage study combined National Joint Registry Data and NHS Digital data. The primary outcome of failure is defined as the removal or exchange of any components of the implanted device inserted during ankle replacement surgery. Life tables and Kaplan Meier survival charts demonstrated survivorship. Cox proportional hazards regression models with the Breslow method used for ties were fitted to compare failure rates. Results: 5,562 primary ankle replacement were recorded on the NJR between 1st April 2010 and 31st December 2018. The unadjusted 1-year survivorship of ankle replacements was 98.8% (95% CI 98.4%-99.0the 5-year survival in 2725 patients was 90.2% (95% CI 89.2%-91.1) and the 10-year survival in 199 patients was 86.2% (95% CI 84.6%-87.6%). In univariate cox regression models age, BMI, ASA, Charlson co-morbidity score, indication for surgery were significantly associated with an increased risk of failure. In multivariate cox regression models only age (HR 0.956, 95% CI 0.942-0.970), BMI (HR 1.032, 95% CI 1.006-1.059) and indication (HR 0.880, 95% CI 0.799-0.968) were associated with an increased risk of failure. Conclusion: Ankle replacements have been demonstrated to have higher failure rates in younger patients, those with an increased BMI, and those with osteoarthritis. These findings should be taken into account when deciding which patients should undergo an ankle replacement and in counselling them on the likely survivorship of their ankle replacement

CT Analysis of the Posteromedial Neurovascular Bundle in Patients with End Stage Ankle Arthritis for Planning of Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Aim of this study is to identify reliable anatomical landmarks of the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle during Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) to minimise the risk of iatrogenic injury. Secondary aim is to identify if there is associated translation of the bundle when anterior translation of the talus is present. Methods: A radiological landmark protocol was devised to create a consistent method for measuring the relations of the bundle to the tibia, talus and medial gutter line when measured at levels mimicking those of resection undertaken in TAR. Analysis between patients with and without anterior subluxation was undertaken. Results: Total of 42 ankles were reviewed with 38% patient having anterior translation of the talus. At the tibiotalar joint, the bundle lies less than 5mm lateral to the medial gutter line and less than 8mm posterior to the posterior tibia. The same measurements at 10mm superior to the tibiotalar joint are less than 8mm and less than 6.5mm respectively. At 5mm distal to the dome of the talus, the bundle is less than 4mm lateral to the medial gutter line and between 8.4-16.0mm posterior to the posterior talus. The bundle to posterior tibia distance does not increase in the sagittal plane for patients with anterior subluxation of the talus. Conclusion: This study provides relevant guidance for surgeons to use intraoperatively when undertaking tibial and talus resections in TAR to identify their relations to the vulnerable neurovascular structures. The measurements of this study indicate for the first time that there is not an increased risk of iatrogenic injury during bone resection at the tibia in patients with anterior subluxation of the talus.

Stress Shielding and Aseptic Loosening in Fully Porous-Coated vs Smooth Stemmed Tibial Implants in Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Porous coating on the osseous interface of implants has gained increased popularity in total ankle replacement surgery. With the integration of porous coating into the newer generation of implants, this theoretically increases the chances of osseous ingrowth and survivorship in total ankle replacements. Alternatively, literature in hip replacement surgery has shown increased rates of stress shielding, aseptic loosening, thigh pain, and cystic formation around stemmed femoral implants extensively coated with porous surfaces. While some ankle prostheses have integrated porous coating technology with stemmed tibial implants, there is little to no research investigating the potential negative effects this may have on longevity or aseptic loosening secondary to a stress shielding effect. Methods: Our study identified 9 patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty via a smooth-stemmed tibial prosthesis and matched these patients based on implant age with patients who received fully porous-coated tibial implants. We reviewed radiographs and compared postoperative rates of backside loosening and cystic formation secondary to stress shielding between the two groups. We also compared rates of heterotopic ossification between the two groups. A homoscedastic t-test was used to identify any statistical significance, which was defined as P < 0.05. Results: While the smooth-stem group showed no rates of backside cystic formation or stress shielding, the follow-up matched porous-coated group showed a rate of 55% of cystic formation and potential loosening secondary to stress shielding observed on final radiographic follow up (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in their rates of heterotopic bone formation (P = 0.37). Conclusion: Despite having a relatively small sample size, this data shows that there is some consistency with the hip arthroplasty literature suggesting an increased risk for stress shielding in fully porous-coated stemmed tibial implants compared to smooth- stemmed tibial implants in total ankle arthroplasty.

Posteromedial structure protection during ankle replacement: Surgical technique

Residual pain after ankle replacement may implicate lesions in posteromedial structures, including the posterior tibial pedicle and tendon. The technique described here protects these structures, by positioning a malleable plate via a medial retromalleolar counter-approach. The technique seems not to cause any specific iatrogenicity. We advocate systematic implementation of this kind of protection in ankle replacement surgery. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective study.

“I could have a proper ankle” – a qualitative study of patients’ perceptions of total ankle replacement and ankle fusion surgery

BackgroundEnd-stage ankle osteoarthritis typically causes severe pain and impaired function. Surgical treatment involves total ankle replacement (TAR) or ankle fusion. Definitive evidence about which procedure is optimal is lacking. No previous studies have thoroughly explored patients’ experiences across the entire TAR/ankle fusion pathway. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring perceptions of surgery, education, rehabilitation and outcomes among patients who had undergone TAR or ankle fusion.MethodsSeven participants were purposively selected from an orthopaedic centre in northern England (3 females, 4 males). Participants had undergone primary TAR without revision (n = 2), TAR requiring revision (n = 3) or ankle fusion (n = 2). Each participant completed a single semi-structured interview. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.ResultsThree themes, each with two subthemes, were identified: decision-making (seeking help; surgical options), perceptions of support (information/education; clinical support) and impact on the individual (personal circumstances and beliefs; post-operative outcomes). Pain affecting participants’ valued activities was key to their decision to seek help. Participants’ decision between TAR and ankle fusion was influenced by multiple factors. Concerns regarding the lack of joint flexibility following fusion were highlighted, with some participants perceiving TAR as a “proper ankle” that would enable them to avoid limping. Participants obtained information from various sources, with most feeling that the education from their care team was inadequate. Participants’ individual circumstances and beliefs influenced their decision-making and perceptions of their post-operative outcomes. Finally, whilst most participants were pleased with their outcomes, some experienced substantial ongoing problems such as difficulty walking and chronic pain.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the importance of providing adequate education about TAR and ankle fusion to enable patients to make informed decisions. Most participants felt that the education and clinical support they received did not fully meet their needs. Participants’ personal circumstances and beliefs had a strong influence on their decision-making and perceptions of their post-operative outcomes, highlighting the need to personally tailor education and clinical support. Future work with a larger sample of patients and other key stakeholders is required to develop consensus-based guidelines on pre- and post-operative support for patients undergoing TAR/ankle fusion.

Previous Surgery and the Temporal Evolution of Functional Outcomes and Complication Rates in Total Ankle Replacement

Given that most ankle replacements are post-traumatic in origin, it is important to investigate if prior interventions affect a patient's functional outcomes or increase the possibility of complications. Prior ankle surgeries create scar tissue and zones of impaired vascularity which could ultimately interfere with surgical healing. The purpose of this study is to assess the pain and functional temporal outcomes of patients with and without prior surgeries in the ipsilateral ankle. We retrospectively identified a consecutive series of 100 primary total ankle replacements (TARs) who were followed for a minimum of 3 years, with follow-up time points of 0, 6, 12, and 36 months. We documented prior surgical interventions and several patient-reported outcomes. Outcomes were measured using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 12-Item Short Form Study (SF-12), and range of motion scores. The 2 groups showed no difference on the temporal evolution of outcomes. An irrigation and debridement of previous open fractures was the only presurgical intervention that showed a statistically significant difference in temporal evolution of functional and pain outcomes between intervention and nonintervention groups. No significant correlations were found between all outcomes and the time between the last intervention and ankle replacement surgery. A preoperative discussion should center on potential complications and predicted functional outcomes. The presence, type, and timing of an intervention prior to an ankle replacement do not strongly affect the temporal outcomes of pain and functional outcome scores. Furthermore, the complication rate is not affected by prior surgeries.

Primary total ankle replacement surgery is a cost-effective intervention

AimsThe primary aim was to assess the cost-effectiveness of primary total ankle replacements (PTAR) in the UK. Secondary aim was to identify predictors associated with increased cost-effectiveness of PTAR. MethodsPre-operative and six-month post-operative data was obtained over a 90-month period across the two centres receiving adult referrals in the UK. The EuroQol general health questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) measured health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) measured joint function. Predictors, tested for significance with QALYs gained, were pre-operative scores and demographic data including age, gender, BMI and socioeconomic status. A cost per QALY of less than £20,000 was defined as cost effective. ResultsThe 51-patient cohort [mean age 67.70 (SD 8.91), 58.8% male] had 47.7% classed as obese or higher. Cost per QALY gained was £1669, rising to £4466 when annual (3.5%) reduction in health gains and revision rates and discounting were included. Lower pre-operative EQ-5D-3L index correlated significantly with increased QALYs gained (p < 0.01), all other predictors were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with QALYs gained. ConclusionsPTAR is a cost-effective intervention for treating end-stage ankle arthritis. Pre-operative EQ-5D-3L was associated with QALYs gained. A pre-operative EQ-5D-3L score of 0.57 or more was not cost effective to operate on.

The 15 year ankle arthroplasty experience in a university hospital

IntroductionThe study aim was to review the experience of ankle replacement surgery in a university teaching hospital. MethodsA retrospective review of primary ankle replacements performed between 2005 and 2019 was undertaken. Implant survival and reasons for revision surgery were assessed, along with patient reported outcomes and complications. ResultsThere were 157 ankle replacements implanted in 140 patients with a mean follow up 7.5 years (range 1.0–14.5). There were 108 Mobility™, 19 Zenith™ and 30 Infinity™ ankle replacements with an overall revision rate of 9.6% at a mean 4.0 years (range 0.1–11.0). Overall survivorship analysis for 5, 10 and 15 years was respectively 92.4%, 89.3% and 86.6%. DiscussionThe revision rate was comparable to international registers and aseptic loosening was the commonest reason for revision. This study, in a teaching university hospital with an average of 10 primary ankle replacements each year, highlighted ankle arthroplasty provides good functional outcomes and medium term implant survivorship. This supports the use of ankle arthroplasty within foot and ankle specialist centres achieving appropriate outcomes.

Total Ankle Replacement Requiring Distal Tibiofibular Arthrodesis in a Dog

AbstractThis case report describes distal tibiofibular arthrodesis as a technique for achieving increased confluent bone support for the placement of oversized arthroplasty components for talocrural arthroplasty in an 18-month-old Labrador Retriever with talocrural osteoarthritis secondary to talar osteochondrosis. Computed tomography assessment for suitability for BioMedtrix canine ankle replacement surgery revealed the tibia to be undersized relative to the tibial component. Distal tibiofibular arthrodesis was performed to increase lateral bone support to permit placement of an otherwise oversized prosthesis. Subjective assessment of outcome with owner Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire to 6 months postoperatively as well as radiological assessment to 4 months postoperatively documented significant improvement in lameness in the operated limb with no complications. Distal tibiofibular arthrodesis is a means by which to achieve increased bone support prior to BioMedtrix canine total ankle replacement surgery. The surgical technique described herein permitted placement of an oversized talocrural prosthesis in this patient with good clinical function. This technique may permit use of this arthroplasty system in otherwise undersized patients until such a time that smaller implants are available from the manufacturer.

Is it Safe to Offer Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) Surgery in Patients with Type II Diabetes?

Category:Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Diabetes; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:The indications for Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) in patients with Type II Diabetes mellitus is poorly defined and there is paucity of literature reporting clinical, radiological and patient reported outcomes for TAR in this patient group. We aimed to explore the ideal pre-operative criteria for TAR in patients with Type II DM based on results from our center.Methods:We studied the x-rays, clinical findings and patient reported outcomes of surgery at pre-op and 5 years for patients who underwent a total ankle replacement at our center between 2006 and 2014 who had Type II DM. This was a retrospective study. The above findings were also compared between patients who had Type II DM vs. who were not diabetic. Pre-operative screening for diabetic patients included Hb1Ac levels, clinical reporting of swelling, warmth, erythema findings, neurovascular status including proprioception, vibration and neuro filament tests. Statistical analysis of WOMAC and SF-36 scores and differences between diabetic and non-diabetic patients were calculated using General Linear Model - repeated measures ANOVA. Patient satisfaction was analyzed using chi-square test. Rates of superficial and deep infection as well as revision were recorded.Results:Of 230 patients, 9 (3.9%) were diabetic. Pre-op radiographic analysis showed features confining to OA; x-ray, CT scan showed no signs of bone debris, fragmentation per articular fractures. Talus was not translated, no evidence of OA in Subtalar or Talonavicular joint. At 5 years, there was no implant subsidence, loosening, migration or peri-prosthetic cysts; hind and midfoot joints had no features of diabetic arthropathy/collapse. Comparing outcomes to Non-diabetic TAR patients, WOMAC & SF-36 scores showed significant (p<0.05) improvement and no significant difference between groups from pre-op to 5 years. In the diabetic group there was 1 superficial infection (11%) 1 deep infection that required revision (11%) compared to 30 superficial infections (13.6%), 1 deep infection (0.5%) and 12 revisions (5.4%) in the non-diabetic group.Conclusion:Painful end stage OA in Type II DM can be treated by TAR, taking into consideration the inclusion and exclusion criteria that we have used in our series.

Economic Analysis and Surgical Outcomes of Outpatient Versus Inpatient Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

Category:Ankle Arthritis; Ankle; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:The utilization of total ankle replacement (TAR) for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis continues to increase in the United States. From 2011-2012, 47.5% of all TAR were covered by Medicare insurance, which represents a large insurance market share for inpatient ankle surgeries. However, there is a growing trend in orthopedics toward performing outpatient surgery. There have been studies that demonstrate the cost benefits and safety of outpatient TAR surgery. However, previous cost studies involve a single implant, small sample size, and lack clinical outcomes. Thus, we aim to compare the costs and clinical outcomes associated with TAR in the outpatient versus inpatient settings.Methods:We performed a retrospective study on 178 consecutive patients undergoing primary inpatient versus short-stay designation TAR during the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years. Patient demographics, concomitant procedures, perioperative complications, patient reported outcomes, and perioperative costs were collected.Results:The mean age of our cohort was 62.5 yo. The implant types were: Infinity (39.3%), Salto (38.2%), INBONE (15.2%), Vantage (7.3%), and STAR (3.4%). 47.8% of patients were covered under managed care and 42.1% under Medicare. There were no significant differences in medical comorbidities (p > 0.05) or concomitant surgeries (p=0.4574) between inpatient and outpatient groups. There was no difference in complications between inpatient and outpatient groups (p= 0.9652). Inpatients had a greater improvement in their SMFA function score compared to outpatients (p=0.0442). Both inpatient and outpatient cohorts significantly improved in all other reported patient reported outcomes at final follow-up (<0.0001) without a difference between groups (p >0.05). The total direct cost was higher for the inpatient group ($15,340.1) versus outpatient group ($13,002.6) (p<0.0001).Conclusion:While inpatient designation TAR were more comorbid, short-stay designation TAR were associated with a 15.5% reduction in perioperative costs, comparable complication rates, and similar final postoperative patient reported outcome scores compared to inpatient TAR.

INBONE Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty

The INBONE total ankle replacement is both a primary and a revision total ankle replacement. It is a modular tibial ankle with the ability to increase the length of the stem as necessary for stability. It also has available an enlarged baseplate for the tibia and a modular talar extension component for use when the talar bone is insufficient for the standard prosthesis. Its flexibility in use makes it an ideal ankle replacement for revision ankle replacement surgery.

Hereditary hemochromatosis and risk of joint replacement surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Arthritis is a known manifestation of hereditary hemochromatosis. However, whether patients with hereditary hemochromatosis have an increased risk of having joint replacement surgery compared to the general population is still unknown. This meta-analysis was conducted to better characterize this risk. A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through September 2019 to identify all cohort studies that compared prevalence or incidence of joint replacement surgery (hip, ankle, or knee) between patients with hereditary hemochromatosis and individuals without hereditary hemochromatosis. Effect estimates from each study were extracted and combined together using the random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. A total of five studies with 1 293 407 participants fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the risk of having joint replacement surgery was significantly increased in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis compared to individuals without hereditary hemochromatosis with the pooled relative risk (RR) of 3.32 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.60-6.86; I 88%]. Analysis by joint found a significantly increased risk of having hip and ankle replacement surgery among patients with hereditary hemochromatosis compared with the pooled RR of 2.62 (95% CI, 2.09-3.30; I 47%) and 8.94 (95% CI, 3.85-20.78; I 14%), respectively. The risk of having knee replacement surgery was also increased but was not statistically significant (pooled RR 1.57, 95% CI, 0.83-2.98; I 66%). A significantly increased risk of needed joint replacement surgery among patients with hereditary hemochromatosis compared to patients without hereditary hemochromatosis was demonstrated in this study. Further studies are required to determine whether this association is causal.