[Revision arthroplasty of the ankle joint]

Survival and risk assessment in revision arthroplasty of the ankle

Aims

Implant failure has become more common as the number of primary total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) performed has increased. Although revision arthroplasty has gained attention for functional preservation, the long-term results remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of revision TAA using a mobile-bearing prosthesis in a considerably large cohort; the risk factors for failure were also determined.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective cohort study included 116 patients (117 ankles) who underwent revision TAA for failed primary TAA between July 2000 and March 2010. Survival analysis and risk factor assessment were performed, and clinical performance and patient satisfaction were evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up.

Results

The mean duration from initial revision TAA to last follow-up was 15.0 years (SD 3.0; 11.2 to 20.5). The cumulative survival rates of the revised ankles were 81% (95% confidence interval (CI) 74% to 88%), 74% (65% to 82%), and 70% (61% to 79%) at five, ten, and 15 years, respectively. Comorbidities prior to primary TAA, aseptic loosening, instability, or grafting of cysts were found to be the most common risk factors for secondary revision. The median value for preoperative pain, as assessed using the visual analogue scale, declined from 6 (interquartile range (IQR) 5 to 8) to 2 (IQR 0 to 5) (p < 0.001) and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from 43 (SD 17) preoperatively to 70 (SD 20) (p < 0.001) at last follow-up.

Conclusion

Revision TAA offers acceptable survival rates after 15 years; it therefore offers a valuable option for treatment of implant failure in carefully selected cases. Although patient-reported outcomes improve substantially, the degree of improvement reported following primary TAA is not achieved.

Hybrid-Total Ankle Arthroplasty (H-TAA) for Failed Talar Component in Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) surgery due to TAA aseptic loosening is increasing. It is possible to exchange the talar component and inlay to another system for isolated talar component loosening in a primary mobile-bearing TAA: Hybrid-Total Ankle Arthroplasty (H-TAA). The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of the revision surgery of an isolated aseptic talar component loosening in a mobile-bearing three-component TAA with a H-TAA solution.

METHODS

In this prospective case study, nine patients (six women, three men; mean age 59.8 years; range 41-80 years) with symptomatic isolated aseptic loosening of the talar component of a mobile-bearing TAA were treated with an isolated talar component and inlay substitution. In all nine cases, a hybrid TAA revision surgery was performed by implanting a VANTAGE TAA talar and insert component (Flatcut talar component: six cases, standard talar component: three cases). The patients were reviewed with the pain score (VAS Pain Score 0-10), Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion (DF/PF) Range of Motion (ROM; degrees), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle/Hindfoot Score (0-100 points), Sports Frequency Score (Level 0-4), and subjective Patients' Satisfaction Score (0-10 points).

RESULTS

The average Pain score improved significantly from preoperative 6.7 points to postoperative 1.1 points (p < 0.001). Average Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion ROM values increased significantly post-surgery: 21.7° preoperative to 45.6° postoperative (p < 0.001). The postoperative AOFAS scores were significantly greater than the preoperative values: 47.7 points preoperative, 92.3 points postoperative (p < 0.001). The sports activity improved from preoperative to postoperative where, preoperative, none of the patients were able to perform sports. Postoperative, eight patients were able to be sports-active again. The overall average postoperative level of sports activity was 1.4. The postoperative average patient's satisfaction was 9.3 points.

CONCLUSIONS

In painful talar component aseptic loosening of a three-component mobile-bearing TAA, H-TAA is a good surgical solution for reducing pain, restoring ankle function, and improving patients' life quality.

Two-Staged Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty Surgery with Primary Total Ankle Arthroplasty System: A Case Report

CASE

Case of a 2-staged revision surgical technique for the treatment of an aseptic total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) loosening: first surgery: removal of the loosened and painful TAA Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement, with exclusion of infection, and reconstruction of the large bone defect (bone-defect downsizing surgery); proof of successful ankle bone reconstruction by CT-scan imaging; second surgery: implantation of a primary VANTAGE TAA (ankle reconstruction with new primary TAA).

CONCLUSION

The present case shows the management of a failed TAA with bone defect by performing a 2-step surgical approach: removal of loosened TAA with simultaneous bone stock restoration and then implantation of a new primary TAA. This concept is a possible alternative to a post-TAA ankle arthrodesis or to the use of a TAA revision system.

The geometrical axis of the talocrural joint-Suggestions for a new measurement of the talocrural joint axis

BACKGROUND

Despite intensive research there is no consensus about the talocrural joint axis. The aim of the present study is a new method to determinate the geometric rotational axis of the talocrural joint.

METHODS

We analyzed 98 CT-scans of full cadaver Caucasian legs. We generated three-dimensional reconstruction models of the talus. A best fitting cone was orientated to the talar articular surface. The geometric rotational axis was defined to be the axis of this cone.

RESULTS

The geometric rotational axis of the talocrural joint is orientated from lateral-distal to medial-proximal (85.6°±10 compared to anatomical tibial axis in torsional plane), from posterior-distal to anterior-proximal (81.43°±44.35 compared to anatomical tibial axis in sagittal plane) and from posterior-medial to anterior-lateral (169.2°±5.91 compared to intermalleolar axis in axial plane).

CONCLUSIONS

The consideration of our results might be helpful for better understanding of ankle biomechanics.

Bone cyst formation after ankle arthroplasty may be caused by stress shielding. A numerical simulation of the strain adaptive bone remodelling

BACKGROUND

The history of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has different evolution steps to improve the outcome. The third generation implants show an overall 8-year survival rate up to 93%. The main reported reason for early failure of TAA is aseptic loosening, cyst formation is also frequently reported. The aim of the present study is to use the finite element (FE) method to analyze the adaptive bone remodeling processes, including cyst formation after TAA.

METHODS

Bone characteristics applied to the model corresponded to information obtained from computed tomography. Finite element models for the tibia and the talus were developed and implant components were virtually implanted.

RESULTS

The calculated total bone loss is 2% in the tibia and 17% in the talus. Cysts and areas of increased bone density were detectable dependent on prosthesis design in the tibia and talus.

CONCLUSION

Our FE simulation provides a theoretical explanation for cyst formation and increasing bone density depending on implant design. However, cysts are not mono-causal, histo-chemical reactions should also be considered. Further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the relevance of cyst formation and therapeutic strategies.

Supramalleolar Osteotomy for Tibial Component Malposition in Total Ankle Replacement

BACKGROUND

Persistent pain despite a total ankle replacement is not uncommon. A main source of pain may be an insufficiently balanced ankle. An alternative to the revision of the existing arthroplasty is the use of a corrective osteotomy of the distal tibia, above the stable implant. This strictly extraarticular procedure preserves the integrity of the replaced joint. The aim of this study was to review a series of patients in whom a corrective supramalleolar osteotomy was performed to realign a varus misaligned tibial component in total ankle replacement. We hypothesized that the supramalleolar osteotomy would correct the malpositioned tibial component, resulting in pain relief and improvement of function.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients (9 male, 13 female; mean age, 62.6 years; range, 44.7-80) were treated with a supramalleolar osteotomy to correct a painful ankle with a varus malpositioned tibial component. Prospectively recorded radiologic and clinical outcome data as well as complications and reoperations were analyzed.

RESULTS

The tibial anterior surface angle significantly changed from 85.2 ± 2.5 degrees preoperatively to 91.4 ± 2.9 degrees postoperatively ( P < .0001), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot score significantly increased from 46 ± 14 to 66 ± 16 points ( P < .0001) and the patient's pain score measured with the visual analog scale significantly decreased from 5.8 ± 1.9 to 3.3 ± 2.4 ( P < .001). No statistical difference was found in the tibial lateral surface angle and the range of motion of the ankle when comparing the preoperative to the postoperative measurements. The osteotomy healed in all but 3 patients on first attempt. Fifteen patients (68%) were (very) satisfied, 4 moderately satisfied, and 3 patients were not satisfied with the result.

CONCLUSION

The supramalleolar osteotomy was found to be a reliable treatment option for correcting the varus misaligned tibial component in a painful replaced ankle. However, nonunion (14%) should be mentioned as a possible complication of this surgery. Nonetheless, as a strictly extraarticular procedure, it did not compromise function of the previously replaced ankle, and it was shown to relieve pain without having to have revised a well-fixed ankle arthroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Management of Talar Component Subsidence

Component subsidence has been found to be the top complication that leads to failure of the total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The cause of subsidence formation is unclear, and is multifactorial. Talar subsidence is more frequently met than tibial subsidence, and the subsequent big bone loss is demanding to handle. As a revision treatment option, neither a revision TAA nor a salvage ankle and/or hindfoot arthrodesis procedure is easy to perform or can obtain a definite outcome. The Salto XT can be used to treat most of the TAA systems available for use in the United States with acceptable short-term outcomes.

How To Diagnose and Treat Infection in Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic infection after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a serious complication, often requiring revision surgery, including revision arthroplasty, conversion to ankle arthrodesis, or even amputation. Risk factors for periprosthetic ankle infection include prior surgery at the site of infection, low functional preoperative score, diabetes, and wound healing problems. The clinical presentation of patients with periprosthetic ankle joint infection can be variable and dependent on infection manifestation: acute versus chronic. The initial evaluation in patients with suspected periprosthetic joint infections should include blood tests: C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis can help confirm suspected periprosthetic ankle infection.

[Aseptic loosening of total ankle replacement : One-stage revision ankle arthroplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To revise one or both loosened prosthesis components, to achieve postoperative pain relief, and preserve ankle range of motion.

INDICATIONS

Aseptic loosening of the tibial and/or talar ankle prosthesis components without substantial bone defect of the tibial or talar bone stock.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

General surgical or anesthesiological risks, infections, critical soft tissue conditions, nonmanageable hindfoot instability, neurovascular impairment of the lower extremity, neuroarthropathy (e. g. Charcot arthropathy), substantial nonreconstructable osseous defects with or without cysts on the tibial and/or talar side, non-compliance, patients with primary total ankle replacement (TAR) using intramedullary fixation (stem fixation), patients with severely reduced bone quality, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, smoking, unrealistic patient expectations, patients with high activity in sports.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Exposure of the ankle joint using the previous incision (anterior or lateral transfibular approach). Mobilization and removal of loosened prosthesis component. Careful debridement of bone stock at bone-prosthesis interface. Determination of prosthesis component size. Implantation of definitive prosthesis components. Wound closure in layers.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

A soft wound dressing is used. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. Patient mobilization starts at postoperative day 1 with 15 kg partial weight bearing using a stabilizing walking boot or cast for 6 weeks. Following clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, full weight bearing is initiated gradually.

RESULTS

Between January 2007 and December 2012 a one-stage revision TAR was performed in 14 patients with a mean age of 52.7 ± 12.0 years (29.8-70.5 years). The indication for revision surgery was aseptic loosening of one or both prosthesis components. The mean time between the initial TAR and revision surgery was 5.9 ± 2.9 years (2.0-11.5 years). In 2 patients a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was performed due to painful aseptic loosening of revision TAR. In all patients a significant pain relief was observed.

[Aseptic loosening of total ankle replacement and conversion to ankle arthrodesis]

OBJECTIVE

To remove loosened prosthesis components, to perform augmentation, to address osseous defects, to perform neutrally aligned ankle arthrodesis, and to achieve postoperative pain relief.

INDICATIONS

Symptomatic, aseptic loosening of total ankle replacement (TAR) with/without substantial bone defect of the tibial and/or talar bone stock.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

General surgical or anesthesiological risks, periprosthetic infection, local or systemic infection, nonmanageable soft tissue problems.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Removal of both prosthesis components using the previous incision (mostly using anterior ankle approach). Careful debridement of bone stock at the tibial and talar side. Osseous augmentation of defects using autologous or homologous cancellous bone, if needed, using structural allografts.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

A soft wound dressing is used. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. Patient mobilization starts on postoperative day 1 with 15 kg partial weight bearing using a stabilizing walking boot or cast for 6-8 weeks. Following clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, full weight bearing is initiated gradually after progressive osseous healing has been confirmed.

RESULTS

Between January 2007 and December 2012, ankle arthrodesis was performed in 9 patients with failed TAR (6 men and 3 women, mean age 56.4 ± 7.0 years, range 47.8-66.0 years). The mean time between the initial TAR and revision surgery was 4.5 ± 2.4 years (range 1.2-7.9 years). In one patient irrigation and debridement was performed due to superficial wound infection. Another patient had a delayed osseous healing 11 months after the revision surgery.

Total ankle replacement

BACKGROUND

About 1% of adults suffer from painful osteoarthritis of the ankle. The current literature contains no information on the percentage of such patients who derive long-term relief of symptoms from conservative treatment. Advanced ankle osteoarthritis can be treated with non-joint-preserving measures, such as total ankle replacement and ankle fusion.

METHODS

This review is based on selected relevant publications, guidelines from Germany and abroad, and the authors' personal experience.

RESULTS

Before surgery is considered, conservative measures such as physiotherapy and orthopedic aids should be used to the fullest possible extent. No randomized trials have yet been published comparing total ankle replacement with ankle fusion. Total ankle replacement with newer types of prosthesis yields good to very good intermediate-term and long-term results, with mean success rates of up to 90% at 10 years (range, 68-100%). Independent risk factors for the failure of ankle replacement are age over 70 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.84), primary osteoarthritis (OR 7.19), post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OR 6.2), and type of prosthesis (e.g., single hydroxyapatite coating: OR 15.04). The average range of motion of the replaced ankle joint is 25° to 30°, with values as high as 60°.

CONCLUSION

Total ankle replacement is a good treatment option for complete, end-stage ankle arthritis. It can restore joint function and make the patient mobile with little or no pain. There are, however, many contraindications to be taken into account. There is a need for further studies of the biomechanics of arthritic and replaced ankle joints and for long-term follow-up studies of total ankle replacement.

[Dwyer osteotomy : Lateral sliding osteotomy of calcaneus]

OBJECTIVE

To correct the underlying inframalleolar varus deformity and to restore physiologic biomechanics of the hindfoot.

INDICATIONS

Neurologic, posttraumatic, congenital, and idiopathic cavovarus deformity. In patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis with varus heel malposition as additional single-stage procedure complementing total ankle replacement. Severe peroneal tendinopathy with concomitant cavovarus deformity.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

General surgical or anesthesiological risks, infections, critical soft tissue conditions, nonmanageable hindfoot instability, neurovascular impairment of the lower extremity, neuroarthropathy (e. g., Charcot arthropathy), end-stage osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint, severely reduced bone quality, high age, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, smoking.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

The lateral calcaneus cortex is exposed using a lateral incision. The osteotomy is performed through an oscillating saw. The posterior osteotomy fragment is manually mobilized and shifted laterally. If needed, a laterally based wedge can be removed and/or the osteotomy fragment can be translated cranially. The osteotomy is stabilized with two cannulated screws, followed by wound closure.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

A soft wound dressing is used. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. Patient mobilization starts on postoperative day 1 with 15 kg partial weight bearing using a stabilizing walking boot or cast for 6 weeks. Following clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, full weight bearing is initiated step by step.

RESULTS

Between January 2009 and June 2013, a Dwyer osteotomy was performed in 31 patients with a mean age of 45.7 ± 16.3 years (range 21.5-77.4 years). All patients had a substantial inframalleolar cavovarus deformity with preoperative moment arm of the calcaneus of -17.9 ± 3.3 mm (range -22.5 to -10.5 mm), which has been improved significantly to 1.6 ± 5.9 mm (range -16.9 to 9.9 mm). Significant pain relief from 6.3 ± 1.9 (range 4-10) to 1.1 ± 1.1 (range 0-4) using the visual analogue scale was observed. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score significantly improved from 33.1 ± 14.2 (range 10-60) to 78.0 ± 10.5 (range 55-95).

Evaluation and management of the painful total ankle arthroplasty

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly popular treatment option for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. Although improved short- and long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes have been achieved with TAA, revision surgery may be necessary in the setting of aseptic loosening, subsidence, impingement, arthrofibrosis, or infection. Factors such as patient selection, implant design, and surgical technique can all contribute to TAA failure. Treatment of patients with a painful TAA is complex and requires careful consideration of symptom history, workup, and nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Surgical management of failed TAA includes arthrodesis, revision surgery, or below-knee amputation.

Inferior results of salvage arthrodesis after failed ankle replacement compared to primary arthrodesis

BACKGROUND

Up to now, there has been no evidence that salvage arthrodesis would perform inferior when compared with primary ankle arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare their clinical and radiographic results.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using 2 validated scores and assessment of radiographic union by comparing 23 patients who underwent salvage ankle arthrodesis (group SA = salvage arthrodesis) after failed total ankle replacement with 23 matched patients who received primary ankle arthrodesis (group PA = primary arthrodesis). The mean follow-up period was 38 (range 16-92) months in group SA and 56 (23-94) months in group PA.

RESULTS

Complete union was achieved in 17 patients (74%) after a mean time of 50 (13- 114) weeks in group SA and in 16 patients (70%) after a mean time of 23 (10-115) weeks in group PA. The SF-36 score averaged 48 points (7-80) in SA and 66 points (14-94; P = .006) in group PA. In group SA the mean FFI was 57% (22-82) for pain and 71% (44-98) for function. In group PA significantly better results for pain with 34% (0-88; P = .002) and function with 48% (1-92; P = .002) were found.

CONCLUSION

Salvage arthrodesis led to impaired life quality and reduced function combined with significantly higher pain when compared with primary ankle arthrodesis. These findings can be used to counsel our patients preoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case series.

Strategies for Revision Total Ankle Replacement

As the frequency of primary total ankle replacement (TAR) continues to build, revision will become more commonplace. At present there are no “standard principles” associated with revision TAR. What is clear is that the current approaches are technically complex, fraught with complications and no one approach represents the only answer. Exchange of TAR metallic components to the same system standard or dedicated revision components are viable options with limited occurrence of complications. Explantation and conversion to custom-design long stemmed components has limited availability. Explantation and conversion to another TAR system is high-risk and has strong potential for complications. The use of metal reinforced polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation of failed TAR systems and tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis should be reserved for very select situations where other options are not possible. There is a real need for long-term survivorship following revision TAR and future efforts ought to be directed in this area.

Arthrodesis After Failed Total Ankle Replacement

BACKGROUND

The literature on salvage procedures for failed total ankle replacement (TAR) is sparse. We report a series of 17 patients who had a failed TAR converted to a tibiotalar or a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2012, a total of 17 patients with a failed TAR underwent an arthrodesis. All patients were followed on a regular basis through chart review, clinical examination and radiological evaluation. The following variables were analyzed: pre- and postoperative Meary angle, cause of failure, method of fixation, type of graft, time to union, complications, and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The average follow-up was 30.1 months. The average period from the original arthroplasty to the arthrodesis was 49.8 months.

RESULTS

Thirteen of the 17 ankles were considered radiographically healed after the first attempt in an average time of 3.7 months and 3 after repeat arthrodesis. Bone grafts were used in 16 patients. The median postoperative AOFAS score was 74.5. The mean Meary angle of the hindfoot was 5 degrees of valgus.

CONCLUSION

Tibiotalar and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodeses were effective salvage procedures for failed TAR. Massive cancellous allografts were a good alternative to compensate for the large bone defect after removal of the prosthesis and to preserve the leg length.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

[Arthrodesis and endoprostheses of the ankle joint: indications, techniques and pitfalls]

If adequate conservative measures for the treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis have failed, surgery may be taken into consideration. After exorbitant failure rates in the beginning of total ankle replacement, nowadays this kind of treatment has regained lot of interest and has become a viable alternative to ankle fusion. The correct indication and a precise explanation of the surgical procedure, outcomes and potential complications provide a solid base for future success.Currently, there is no doubt that total ankle replacement has become an important player in the treatment of symptomatic and debilitating end-stage ankle arthritis. With increasing number of patients who undergo total ankle replacement the experience with this kind of procedure increases too. As a consequence several surgeons have started to stretch indications favoring total ankle replacement. However, it must be mentioned here, despite progress in terms of improved anatomical and biomechanical understanding of the hindfoot and improved surgical techniques and instruments, total ankle replacement and ankle fusion remain challenging and difficult procedures. We provide a review article including an overview of the relevant techniques. This article should serve as rough guide for surgeons and help in decision-making regarding total ankle replacement and ankle fusion.

Revision INBONE total ankle replacement

The INBONE total ankle replacement is a unique modular ankle replacement that has the ability to serve as both a primary and a revision total ankle replacement. Despite its versatility, it may need to be revised, either because of poor patient selection, technical error, or infection. This article may be of value to those surgeons embarking on the primary placement or revision of an INBONE total ankle replacement.

Revision of the aseptic and septic total ankle replacement

Total ankle replacement has become a popular treatment of symptomatic end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Contemporary total ankle replacement systems provide more anatomic and biomechanically sound function. However, longevity is still limited and long-term results of modern total ankle replacement designs are not available. In the case of failure, conversion into arthrodesis has remained the treatment of choice but at the cost of hindfoot function and potential degeneration of the adjacent joints. Thus, revision total ankle replacement by exchange of the prosthetic components represents an attractive solution. This article focuses on revision total ankle replacement and conversion to ankle arthrodesis.

History of total ankle replacement

Attempts at ankle replacement have existed for at least 50 years. Time has essentially eliminated constrained, cemented, first-generation ankle replacements. Although some two-component, more anatomic, designs are still used with varying success, three-component "mobile bearing" ankle prostheses are winning the race of evolution. Not only have implants change over the years, but also the patients and surgeons. Surgeons specialize, improving their surgical outcomes and expanding the indications for total ankle replacement in technically demanding complex ankles. High-demand, younger patients, but also obese ones, are potential candidates for a total ankle replacement. This article provides a review of the history of total ankle replacement.

Revision total ankle replacement

This review of the current literature regarding total ankle replacement (TAR) revision surgery focuses on the causes for implant failure, how to deal with the clinical dilemmas of pain and stiffness following TAR, the management of asymptomatic peri-implant cyst formation, and the management of the distal tibia and talus during revision surgery.

Total ankle replacement using HINTEGRA, an unconstrained, three-component system: surgical technique and pitfalls

Total ankle replacement (TAR) has become a valuable treatment option in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. One popular 3-component system, the HINTEGRA TAR, is an unconstrained system that provides inversion-eversion stability. More natural biomechanics of the replaced ankle may be expected when anatomic considerations drive prosthesis design. The HINTEGRA prosthesis includes 2 anatomically contoured metal components and a polyethylene insert, providing axial rotation and physiologic flexion-extension mobility. This article describes the HINTEGRA TAR design and surgical technique. Use of the prosthesis for complex hindfoot reconstruction in patients with an osteoarthritic, varus, or valgus ankle deformity is described.