Total Ankle Arthroplasty Surgery Research Articles

Is There Still a Learning Curve for Primary TAA After Completing a High Volume Ankle Replacement Fellowship? A Multicentered Study

Introduction/Purpose: The learning curve in Total ankle arthroplasty(TAA) has long been reported. Surgeon experience of five to twenty-five ankle replacements have been shown to decrease various perioperative and long term complications in this complex surgery. Fellowship programs with high-volume ankle arthroplasty experiences have been suggested to mitigate this learning curve and provide benefit to early career surgeons with TAA outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for TAA in two high-volume surgeons practices through the first three years of practice. Both surgeons completed fellowships and participated in more than 100 ankle replacements each. We hypothesized that experience during fellowship will help minimize complications and negate any learning curve previously established in the literature. Methods: Prospectively collected data was retrospectively reviewed on all patients who underwent primary TAA surgery during the first three years of clinical practice after fellowship in this IRB approved, multi-centered study. Patient demographics and clinical data, radiographic outcomes, and patient reported outcomes were collected on all patients. Patients undergoing revision TAA (as a first surgery), patients without a minimum of 2 years follow-up, and patients undergoing arthrodesis conversion to TAA were all excluded. The data was analyzed using Chi Squared test and the Moving Average Method where appropriate. All statistical analysis was performed by someone with an expertise in biostatistics. Results: Eighty-seven patients (67.8% male, avg. age 64) met inclusion criteria for the study. Average tourniquet time (111.9 min) and fluoroscopy time(106.3 secs) decreased as surgeon experience increased, with the this trend stabilizing after patient 20. Complication rate (wound complication, infection, return to OR, intraoperative fracture, etc.) was similar throughout the study period. No differences were seen in component positioning (postop AP TT angle, Postop Lateral TT angle), PROMIS Pain interference, PROMIS Depression, or PROMIS Physical function with regards to time during the study. Statistically significant differences (improvements) were seen in in the following postoperative measurements when compared to preoperative values: AP TT angle, Lateral TT angle, and PROMIS Pain Interference/Depression/Physical function. Conclusion: Learning curve as it relates to intraoperative fluoroscopy time and intraoperative tourniquet time remained even after completing a high volume TAA fellowship but clinical and PROs did not show this same trend. Radiographic measurements, complications (both intraop and postop), and patient reported outcomes did not show a time sensitive change after fellowship. Though some variables did show the maintenance of a learning curve, this multi-centered study suggests that completion of a high volume TAA fellowship can mitigate some variables in the learning curve. Study Data Summary

Effects of Travel Distance on Complications and Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Owing to the last decade's increase in the number of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) procedures performed annually, there is a concern that the disproportionate distribution of orthopaedic surgeons who regularly perform TAA may impact complications and/or patient satisfaction. This study examines patient-reported outcomes and complications in TAA patients who had to travel for surgery compared to those treated locally. This is a single-center retrospective review of 160 patients undergoing primary TAA between January 2016 and December 2018, with mean age 65 (range: 59-71) years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.7 kg/m2, 69 (43.1%) females, and mean 1.5 (SD = 0.51) years follow-up. Patients were grouped by distance traveled (<50 miles [n = 89] versus >50 miles traveled [n = 71]). There were no significant differences in rate or type of postoperative complications between the <50 mile group (16.9%) and the >50 mile group (22.5%) (P = .277). Similarly, there were no significant difference in postoperative PROMIS scores between the groups (P = .858). Given uneven distribution of high-volume surgeons performing TAA, this is important for patients who are deciding where to have their TAA surgery and for surgeons on how to counsel patients regarding risks when traveling longer distances for TAA care.Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective Cohort Study.

An Innovative Clinical Evaluation Protocol after Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study Using Inertial Sensors and Baropodometric Platforms

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has grown in popularity and indications, with encouraging results over time. Today, preoperative and postoperative evaluations are mainly performed using clinical test and diagnostic imaging, but there is a deficiency in objectively evaluating the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, which serve as the functional markers for monitoring the effectiveness and outcomes of surgery. Inertial measurement units associated with plantar pressure measurements may provide an accurate and reliable method of evaluating function through the analysis of gait and ankle joint mobility. The aim of this study was to introduce an innovative technology, to assess its accuracy and feasibility compared to standard clinical assessment methods and to objectify kinematic outcomes in patients with end-stage ankle OA before and after TAA surgery. Methods: A consecutive series of eight patients with symptomatic end-stage osteoarthritis and treated with TAA was prospectively evaluated using clinical scores (AOFAS, MOxFQ, VAS, SF-36, 17-IFFI), physical tests (FPI, ALT), plantar pressure measurements with FLEX EPS/R2 Letsense® baropodometric platform, gait analysis and wearable sensors-based ankle motion and kinematic outcomes using Wiva Science inertial sensors by Letsense®. Data were collected preoperatively and 4 months after surgery. Results: All PROMs exhibited statistical significance in improvement from pre- to postoperative periods, except for one. Physical examinations showed no significant changes of the foot shape and alignment. Plantar pressure analyses revealed no significant changes in static and dynamic evaluations, but a more uniform distribution of plantar pressure was observed between the two periods. Inertial sensor parameters demonstrated no significant differences, except for a significant reduction in stride length and step length for the operated foot after surgery. Conclusions: Gait analysis using inertial sensors and plantar pressure measurements offer ease of handling, cost effectiveness, portability and swift data reading, making them highly appealing for widespread clinical use. Integrating these tools into the routine assessments of patients with TAA holds promise for advancing precision of treating this condition and our depth of its understanding, contributing to more comprehensive and insightful patient care.

Patient Reported Outcomes Before and After Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty Done In the First Two Years of a Single Surgeons Practice

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: As Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) volume continues to grow nationally, so is the need for revision TAA surgery. A foot and ankle surgeon fresh out of fellowship is likely to encounter these challenging cases soon after beginning practice. The learning curve for ankle replacement has been demonstrated in multiple studies but no such study exists for revision TAA due to the relative infrequency of this procedure. The experience of one high volume revision TAA surgeon in the first two years after fellowship is reviewed in this study. Radiographic, clinical, and patient reported outcomes are analyzed in this study. Methods: In this IRB approved study, we retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 18 patients who underwent Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty Surgery from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2021. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures including PROMIS depression, physical function and pain interference CATs taken preoperatively and then at specific post- operative intervals were collected on all patients. Radiographic and clinical results were also reviewed. Patients being revised, whether single stage or two-stage, for infection were excluded. Patients converted from ankle arthrodesis to ankle replacement were omitted. Student t tests, chi-square test, and nonparametric alternatives (p &lt;.05) we used. Results: Eighteen patients ( Average age 65.5, 50% male) underwent revision TAA average follow up 25 months. Aseptic loosening (50%) was the most common cause for revision followed by component malpositioning (28.8%). The Scandanavian Total Ankle Replacement was the most commonly revised implant in this study 83.3%. Radiographic parameters (Tibiotalar angle Tibial component positioning) improved after revision TAA. Average Promis physical function improved from 41.18 pre-op to 47.77 (p.078), depression improved from 57.64 pre-op to 49.67(p .025*), and pain interference improved from 61.3 preop to 50.55 (p .045*) after revision TAA. No differences were seen in any outcome measure with regards to time from fellowship, when assessing for a learning curve. See attached table for complete list of results. Conclusion: Revision TAA is a technically challenging procedure. One which will continue to be more and more common as ankle replacement continues to replace arthrodesis as the preferred treatment for ankle arthritis. This study did not identify a learning curve for revision total ankle arthroplasty. Outcomes were similar independent of time after fellowship the cases occurred. Patient reported outcomes, clinical outcomes, and radiographic outcomes all improved in this cohort after revision TAA.

A Novel Method for Preoperative Positioning of Total Ankle Replacement Using 3D Digital Model.

ObjectiveTo establish a digital model of the ankle joint through 3D imaging technology and explore the preoperative placement of ankle replacement prostheses.MethodsComputed tomography images of intact ankle joints from 54 cases in the outpatient and inpatient departments of our hospital were collected; according to the INBONE® total ankle system surgery process, the surgery model and surgical osteotomy were finished using MIMICS based on computer simulation method. The shortest distance was measured between the center point and the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral, respectively, to ensure the precise position of the ankle replacement prosthesis by digital simulation surgery. The relationship between the two variables was analyzed by bivariate correlation analysis.ResultsThe dataset of this study included 48 cases of the sub‐data set (26 males and 22 females) and included 27 cases of left ankle and 21 cases of right ankle. The average medial malleolar angle was 18.67°± 2.87°, the average amount of bone resection was 12.13 ± 1.86 cm3, the mid‐anterior distance was 1.72 ± 0.19 cm, the mid‐posterior distance was 2.00 ± 0.19 cm, the ratio of mid‐anterior to mid‐posterior was 0.87, the mid‐medial distance was 1.26 ± 0.17 cm, the mid‐lateral distance was 1.19 ± 0.16 cm, and the ratio of mid‐medial to mid‐lateral was 1.06. After osteotomy, the anteroposterior diameter was 3.73 ± 0.32 cm, the transverse diameter was 2.46 ± 0.27 cm, and the ratio of anteroposterior diameter to transverse diameter was 1.53. In the bottom view, the shape after osteotomy is rectangular. The mid‐anterior distance was strongly negatively correlated with age, the mid‐anterior distance and the amount of bone resection, the mid‐medial distance and the amount of bone resection, the mid‐lateral distance and the amount of bone resection, the mid‐lateral distance and the anteroposterior diameter, the anteroposterior diameter and the transverse diameter were all strongly positively correlated.ConclusionThe projection point of the lower tibia centerline on the tibial horizontal osteotomy surface is located at a position slightly anterior to the midpoint of the transverse diameter after ankle arthroplasty. The rational positioning of the total ankle replacement is located at both a position slightly anterior to the midpoint of the transverse diameter and midpoint of the anteroposterior diameter, which can be used as a reference method before total ankle arthroplasty surgery.

Do Closed Suction Drains Affect Postoperative Wound Healing after Total Ankle Arthroplasty?

Category:Ankle Arthritis; AnkleIntroduction/Purpose:Although most studies demonstrate no clear benefit of closed suction drains after total joint arthroplasty of the hip, knee, and shoulder, there is no study that has specifically looked at ankle arthroplasty. Despite the paucity of information regarding the potential benefit or lack thereof with postoperative closed suction drains after total ankle arthroplasty, they are still utilized in practice. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the use of closed suction drains after total ankle arthroplasty have an affect on wound complications in the first postoperative year.Methods:Following a 3:1 match of patients with-drains to those without-drains, 78 patients with-drains and 28 without-drains were included for analysis. The drain group consisted of patients who had drains placed in the immediate postoperative period and removed prior to discharge from the hospital. The without-drains group acted as the control. Demographic data including age, sex, tobacco use, alcohol use, and medical comorbidities (diabetes, bleeding disorders, anemia, neuropathy, kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, history of leg ulcers or staphylococcus infection) were obtained. Follow-up data was collected and reviewed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperative, for minor and major wound complications, as well as wound-related re-operations.Results:At 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperative, there was no statistically significant difference in wound complications with or without the use of a drain. Within the first postoperative year, a total of 4 (14.3%) patients with- drains and 24 (30.8%) patients without-drains had a wound complication. This was not statistically significant (p=0.148). The majority of wound complications were minor. A single superficial infection and two reoperations for major wound complications were noted, all of which were in patients who had a drain placed. Age, sex, tobacco use, alcohol use, as well as a history of diabetes, bleeding disorders, neuropathy, kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and history of leg ulcers or staphylococcus infection were similar between both groups. A history of anemia was significantly higher in the drain group, however this was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative wound complications.Conclusion:The use of a closed suction drain did not have an effect on postoperative wound complications in the first year after total ankle arthroplasty surgery. Based on the equivocal results in this study and that there is no clear consensus on the use of drains after total ankle arthroplasty surgery, the authors feel it is up to the individual surgeon to determine the necessity of use on a case-by-case basis.

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

Category:Ankle; Ankle ArthritisIntroduction/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.

Influence of Interventions on the Sural Complex like the Gastrocnemius Recession on the Calf Strength

Category:Ankle; Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Increasing evidence has shown that gastrocnemius tightness is related to various types of foot and ankle pathology. The recession and lengthening of the gastrocnemius has become an important ancillary procedure in many reconstructive operations, such as hallux valgus, pes plano-valgus and total ankle arthroplasty surgery. Additionally, isolated Gastrocnemius Recession is also performed alone to treat plantarfasciitis, achillestendinosis, metatarsalgia and diabetic forefoot ulceration. The reports about the clinical results are encouraging, but evident data about the resulting strength of the treated muscle is lacking.Methods:This study was designed to measure calf-strength of every patient before and after Gastrocnemius Tenotomy, Gastrocnemius Recession, Achillestendon lengthening. The data was taken before surgery and one year post-op. A Leonardo Mechanograph GRFP was used to measure calf-strength with bended and extended knee on both sites. 85 patients were measured before surgery. 58 of these patients underwent a intervention on the sural complex. The interventions included Gastrocnemius Tenotomy, Gastrocnemius Recession, Achillestendon lengthening combined with different types of foot and ankle reconstruction.Results:The results show that the calf strength decreased overall significantly. The force on the operated site decreases significantly with bended and extended knee. However, contralatrel forces diminish in the same dimension. The decrease in force was mainly related to the force during knee extension. There was no significant force difference postoperatively between ipsi- and contralateral.Conclusion:Apparently, a surgical intervention on the foot seems to cause a weakening of the flexor muscles on both lower legs. Not surprisingly, the greater reduction in strength is during knee extension. Apparently, however, the loss of strength on the operated foot is compensated, so that ultimately there is the same strength on both side.

Influence of Depressive Symptoms on Clinical Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category:Ankle ArthritisIntroduction/Purpose:Recently, there have been many reports on the relationship between depression and clinical outcome of knee or hip arthroplasty. However, there is no study on the association between depression and total clinical outcome of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This study investigated the relationship between depressive symptoms and clinical outcome after TAA.Methods:Forty patients who underwent TAA for end-stage ankle arthritis from July 2014 to July 2017 and were able to follow- up at least 12 months were selected. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The subjects were divided into Depressive group and Non-depressive group, and the preoperative and postoperative clinical results were compared using a visual analogue scale (VAS), American orthopedic foot and ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS). The preoperative and postoperative radiological results were also compared using anterior surface angle of distal tibia (TAS), talar tilt of ankle joint (TT), lateral surface angle of distal tibia (TLS), and heel alignment distance (HD).Results:The mean age of the patients was 61.6±18.2 years and the average follow-up period was 24.3±7.3 months. 13 subjects were in Depression group and 27 subjects were in Non-depression group. There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Additionally, there was no statistical difference in preoperative VAS and AOFAS between the two groups (p>.05). Preoperative and postoperative VAS and AOFAS showed statistically significant improvement in both groups (p<.05). However, the depressive group showed higher result in postoperative VAS than the Non-depressive group significantly (3.1±2.4 vs 1.4±2.3, p<.05). The postoperative AOFAS was also higher in the non-depressive group significantly (89.3±13.4 vs 95.0±8.1, p<.05). Both groups showed improvement in postoperative radiologic index. Preoperative and postoperative radiologic index showed no difference in both groups.Conclusion:The clinical outcome after TAA was poor in patients with depressive symptoms when compared to patients without depressive symptoms. Since depressive symptoms is a patient-specific factor that result in less improvement in clinical outcomes after TAA, clinical considerations for depressive symptoms are needed prior to TAA surgery.

Revision Surgery for Metal Component Failure in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Background:Metal component failure in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is difficult to treat. Traditionally, conversion to an arthrodesis has been advocated. Revision TAA surgery has become more common with availability of revision implants and refinement of bone-conserving primary implants. The goal of this study was to analyze the clinical results and patient-reported outcomes for patients undergoing revision total ankle arthroplasty.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 52 patients with a mean age of 63.5 ± 9.6 years who had developed loosening or collapse of major metal components following primary TAA. These patients were compared to a case-matched control group of 52 primary TAAs performed at the host institution with a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up. Cases of isolated polyethylene exchange, infection, or extra-articular realignment procedures were excluded. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, Short Form 36 (SF-36), Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and pain scores were prospectively collected. Clinical data was collected through review of the electronic medical record to identify reasons for clinical failure, where clinical failure was defined as second revision or conversion to arthrodesis or amputation.Results:The identified causes of failure of primary TAA were aseptic loosening of both components (42%), talar component subsidence/loosening (36%), coronal talar subluxation (12%), tibial loosening (8%), and talar malrotation (2%). Thirty-one patients (59.5%) underwent revision of all components, 20 (38.5%) just the talar and polyethylene components, and one (2%) the tibial and polyethylene components. The average time to revision was 5.5 years ± 5.4 with a follow-up of 3.1 years ± 1.5 after revision. Eleven (21.2%) revision arthroplasties required further surgery: 6 required conversion to arthrodesis and 5 required second revision TAA. Pain scores, SF-36 scores, SMFA scores, and AOFAS Hindfoot scores all improved after revision surgery but never reached the same degree of improvement seen after primary TAA.Conclusions:Clinical and patient-reported outcomes of revision ankle arthroplasty after metal component failure significantly improved after surgery, although the recovery time was longer. In this series, 21.2% of revision TAAs required a second revision TAA or arthrodesis surgery. Various prostheses performed similarly when used for revision surgery. Revision TAA can offer significant improvements postoperatively.Level of Evidence:Level III, therapeutic.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Before and After Primary and Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Studies examining the clinical outcomes of revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) are sparse. Revision TAA surgery has become more common with availability of revision implants and refinement of bone-conserving primary implants. In this study, patient-reported results and clinical outcomes were analyzed for a cohort of patients who underwent both primary and revision TAA at a single high-volume institution. We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 29 patients with failed primary total ankle arthroplasty. Cases of isolated polyethylene exchange, infection, or extra-articular realignment procedures were excluded. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and clinical results were reviewed in this longitudinal study. Fifteen patients (51.7%) underwent revision of just the talar and polyethylene components while 13 patients (44.8%) underwent revision of all components. The most common cause was talar subsidence (51.7%). The average time to revision was 3.9 years with a follow-up of 3.2 years after revision, and 3 (10.3%) revision arthroplasties required further surgery; 2 required conversion to arthrodesis and 1 required second revision TAA. Improvements in PROs were better after primary than revision TAA. Clinical and patient-reported results of revision ankle arthroplasty after metal component failure improved significantly but never reached the improvements seen after primary ankle arthroplasty. In our series, 10.3% of revision TAAs required a second revision TAA or arthrodesis surgery. Therapeutic Level III, comparative series.

Revision Surgery for Metal Component Failure in Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Metal component failure in total ankle arthroplasty(TAA) is difficult to treat. Traditionally, to an arthrodesis has been advocated. Revision TAA surgery has become more and more common with availability of revision implants and refinement of bone conserving primary implants. It this study, patient reported results and clinical outcomes are analyzed for patients undergoing revision total ankle arthroplasty. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 45 patients (cases) with a mean age of 63.7 +/-10.2 years who developed loosening or collapse of either major metal component in the primary total ankle arthroplasty. Cases of isolated polyethylene exchange, infection, or extra-articular realignment procedures were excluded. Prospectively collected patient reported outcomes measures including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) hindfoot score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Form 36 (SF-36), Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score (FAOS) questionnaires were collected. Clinical data was collected through thorough review of the electronic medical record to identify clinical failure defined as explant and second revision or conversion to arthrodesis or amputation. Results: The causes of failure of primary TAA in this study were aseptic loosening of both components (40%), talar component subsidence/loosening (37.7%), tibial loosening (8.8%), coronal talar subluxation (8.8%) and talar malrotation (2.2%). Twenty-four patients (53.3%) underwent revision of all components, nineteen (42.2%) just the talar and polyethylene components, and two (4.4%) the tibial and polyethylene components. The average time to revision was 5.56 years +/- 5.71 with a follow-up of 3.02 years +/- 1.25 after revision. Ten (22.2%) revision arthroplasties required further surgery; five required conversion to arthrodesis and five required second revision TAA. VAS scores, SF36 scores, SMFA scores, AOFAS Hindfoot scores, and FAOS all improved after revision surgery but took 2 years to reach scores comparable to 1 year after primary TAA. Conclusion: Clinical and patient reported results of revision ankle arthroplasty after metal component failure were comparable to those after primary ankle arthroplasty. In our series, 22.2% of revision TAAs required a second revision TAA or arthrodesis surgery. Various prosthesis performed similarly when used in revision scenarios. Patients recovered faster from primary ankle arthroplasty when compared to revision ankle arthroplasty but all scores were comparable by the two-year follow-up visit after revision arthroplasty surgery.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) combined with additive techniques (1. augmentation of bone strength, 2. control of soft tissue balance, 3. adjustment of the loading axis) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases were evaluated after mid to long-term follow-up. The influences of biologic treatment on the outcomes after TAA were also evaluated. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study involving 50 ankles (44 patients) that underwent TAA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.1 years. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with use of the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale score and a postoperative self-administered foot-evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Radiographic findings were evaluated as well. These parameters also were compared between patients managed with and without biologic treatment. Results: This procedure significantly improved the clinical scores of the JSSF rheumatoid arthritis foot and ankle scale (p &lt; 0.0001). Forty-eight of the 50 ankles had no revision TAA surgery. Subsidence of the talar component was seen in 8 ankles (6 in the biologic treatment group and 2 in the non-biologic treatment group); 2 of these ankles (both in the biologic treatment group) underwent revision TAA. The social functioning score of the SAFE-Q scale at the time of the latest follow-up was significantly higher in the biologic treatment group (p = 0.0079). The dosage of prednisolone (p = 0.0003), rate of usage of prednisolone (p = 0.0001), and disease-activity score (p &lt; 0.01) at the latest follow-up were all significantly lower in the biologic treatment group. Conclusion: TAA is recommended for RA cases, if disease control, augmentation of bone strength, control of soft tissue balance, and adjustment of loading axis are taken into account. The prevention of talar component subsidence remains a challenge in patients with the combination of subtalar fusion, rheumatoid arthritis, and higher social activity levels.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Japanese Patients: A Retrospective Study of Intermediate to Long-Term Follow-up.

Background:Outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) combined with additive techniques (augmentation of bone strength, control of soft-tissue balance, adjustment of the loading axis) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis were evaluated after intermediate to long-term follow-up. The influences of biologic treatment on the outcomes after TAA were also evaluated.Methods:We performed a retrospective observational study involving 50 ankles (44 patients) that underwent TAA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.1 years. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with use of the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale score and a postoperative self-administered foot-evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Radiographic findings were evaluated as well. These parameters also were compared between patients managed with and without biologic treatment.Results:This procedure significantly improved the clinical scores of the JSSF rheumatoid arthritis foot and ankle scale (p < 0.0001). Forty-eight of the 50 ankles had no revision TAA surgery. Subsidence of the talar component was seen in 8 ankles (6 in the biologic treatment group and 2 in the non-biologic treatment group); 2 of these ankles (both in the biologic treatment group) underwent revision TAA. The social functioning score of the SAFE-Q scale at the time of the latest follow-up was significantly higher in the biologic treatment group (p = 0.0079). The dosage of prednisolone (p = 0.0003), rate of usage of prednisolone (p = 0.0001), and disease-activity score (p < 0.01) at the time of the latest follow-up were all significantly lower in the biologic treatment group.Conclusions:TAA is recommended for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis if disease control, augmentation of bone strength, control of soft-tissue balance, and adjustment of the loading axis are taken into account. The prevention of talar component subsidence remains a challenge in patients with the combination of subtalar fusion, rheumatoid arthritis, and higher social activity levels.Level of Evidence:Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Perioperative Complications of Outpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty

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.