Sprunggelenkarthrodese nach gescheiterter Endoprothesenimplantation

OSG-Prothesen am arthritischen und arthrotischen Fuß

Bei den endgradigen Zerstörungen am oberen Sprunggelenk kommt heute den operativen Verfahren der endoprothetischen Versorgung und der Versteifung die entscheidende Rolle zu. Die 3 am meisten betroffenen Patientengruppen sind die mit posttraumatischen, arthrotischen und rheumatischen Folgen. Es bestehen fulminante Unterschiede in den pathophysiologischen Abläufen der Gelenkaffektionen bei den primär degenerativen zu den chronisch-entzündlichen Erkrankungen. Letztere unterliegen besonderen lokalen, regionalen und systemischen Veränderungen, die in Bezug auf die Differentialindikation und das gesamte perioperative Management bekannt sein müssen, um Patienten optimal zu versorgen und Komplikationen zu vermeiden. Beim „Rheumatiker“ gesellt sich zu den immunologisch-induzierten Ko-Morbiditäten noch eine sehr gezielte Basismedikation dazu, die in ihren orthopädisch-unfallchirurgischen und den orthopädisch-rheumatologischen Auswirkungen zu bedenken ist. Initial stehen die gesamten Verfahren der konservativen Behandlung am Sprunggelenk und im Verlauf – vor allem bei entzündlich induzierten Synovialitiden – eine Spiegelung mit Schleimhautresektion und anschließender Radiosynoviorthese zur Verfügung. Zuletzt gewinnt die technisch anspruchsvolle endoprothetische Versorgung am oberen Sprunggelenk seit geraumer Zeit wieder mehr an Bedeutung, vielfach wird von fußchirurgischen Experten jedoch eine Fusion des tibio-talaren Gelenkes bei entsprechender Destruktion bevorzugt. In Deutschland werden rund 2000 OSG-TEP-Implantationen p.a. mit den heute üblichen zementfrei eingesetzten 3-Komponenten-Prothesen ausgeführt, die -besonders bei den rheumatischen Erkrankungen- mittelfristig recht gute Ergebnisse aufweisen. Sowohl die TEP-Versorgung als auch die Fusionseingriffe weisen spezifische Vor- und Nachteile sowie Komplikationsmuster auf. Die Indikation zu den Verfahren ist individuell zu stellen. Fußchirurgische und orthopädisch-rheumatologische Spezialisten für die jeweiligen Patientengruppen können den Fachgesellschaftsseiten entnommen werden.

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.

Results and Outcomes of Combined Cross Screw and Ilizarov External Fixator Frame in Ankle Fusion

Ankle fusion is a treatment option for end-stage ankle arthritis. Fusion site stability and optimal foot positioning are crucial parameters. We present the results of our double fixation technique, combining both cross-screw fixation and Ilizarov external fixator frame via transmalleolar approach. We reviewed the files from 52 patients operated for ankle fusion in our center. In our technique, we use a transmalleolar approach, initial stabilization with 2 cannulated, half-threaded cross screws, and final stabilization with an Ilizarov external fixator frame. Fusion stability, weightbearing time, complication rates, and final functional scores were recorded and evaluated. Mean frame removal time was 11.2 ± 2.1 weeks, and 71.6% of patients were fully weightbearing at that time. Absolute fusion stability was reported in 88.46% of patients at that time, while no pseudarthrosis was noted in final follow-up at 12 months. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle score evaluation at 12 months, 90.4% of patients reported excellent and 9.6% good results. None of the patients was referred for symptomatic forefoot arthritis, and there were no cases of deep infection or deep vein thrombosis. Material-related complications were reported in 1 patient who was treated with implant removal after 1 year. Ankle fusion is a salvage procedure that offers optimal results in end-stage ankle arthritis. Our technique offers absolute fusion site stability with excellent functional results, minor complications, and the advantages of early protected weightbearing. Careful patient selection in addition to fine foot positioning should be regarded as crucial for the final outcome.

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.

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.

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.

Salvage of failed total ankle replacement using tantalum trabecular metal: case series

BACKGROUND

Although newer generations of total ankle arthroplasty designs have better clinical outcomes, failure due to aseptic loosening remains a frequent major complication. Arthrodesis is the most common salvage procedure for a failed total ankle replacement. There are several arthrodesis techniques each with its advantages and disadvantages. We present a technique of ankle arthrodesis for failed total ankle replacements using tantalum Trabecular Metal™ (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) with internal fixation, thus sparing the subtalar joint.

METHODS

Three patients who had undergone arthrodesis for a failed total ankle replacement using tantalum Trabecular Metal were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 57 (range, 31-86) months. The mean age at ankle arthroplasty was 57 (range, 33-72) years and at ankle arthrodesis was 63 (range, 44-74) years. The mean time from arthroplasty to arthrodesis was 7 (range, 2-11) years.

RESULTS

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from 30.7 (range, 20-39) preoperatively to 72.7 (range, 65-77) postoperatively at the time of last follow-up. Arthrodesis was achieved at a mean of 3 months, and there were no complications.

CONCLUSION

The technique described has several advantages when compared to other methods of salvage ankle arthrodesis. The subtalar joint is not included in the fusion unless it is degenerative and symptomatic. Height of the ankle is maintained throughout the fusion process. Furthermore, Trabecular Metal is abundantly available; it avoids donor site morbidity and eliminates the risk of transmissible diseases.

Long-term follow-up of mobile-bearing total ankle replacement in patients with inflammatory joint disease

Little is known about the long-term outcome of mobile-bearing total ankle replacement (TAR) in the treatment of end-stage arthritis of the ankle, and in particular for patients with inflammatory joint disease. The aim of this study was to assess the minimum ten-year outcome of TAR in this group of patients. We prospectively followed 76 patients (93 TARs) who underwent surgery between 1988 and 1999. No patients were lost to follow-up. At latest follow-up at a mean of 14.8 years (10.7 to 22.8), 30 patients (39 TARs) had died and the original TAR remained in situ in 28 patients (31 TARs). The cumulative incidence of failure at 15 years was 20% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11 to 28). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score of the surviving patients at latest follow-up was 80.4 (95% CI 72 to 88). In total, 21 patients (23 TARs) underwent subsequent surgery: three implant exchanges, three bearing exchanges and 17 arthrodeses. Neither design of TAR described in this study, the LCS and the Buechel-Pappas, remains currently available. However, based both on this study and on other reports, we believe that TAR using current mobile-bearing designs for patients with end-stage arthritis of the ankle due to inflammatory joint disease remains justified.

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.

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.