Strategies for Revision Total Ankle Replacement

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.

Sagittal Ankle and Midfoot Range of Motion Before and After Revision Total Ankle Replacement: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis

The most common reason for a revision total ankle replacement procedure is a painful, stiff ankle even after the initial surgery. Limited and conflicting data are available regarding the change in sagittal foot and ankle range of motion after revision total ankle replacement surgery. We sought to determine whether revision total ankle replacements would reduce compensatory midfoot range of motion. In determining this, a novel radiographic measurement system with stable osseous landmarks is used. A retrospective medical record review of patients who had undergone revision total ankle replacement from January 2009 to June 2016 was performed. Thirty-three patients (33 ankles) underwent revision total ankle replacement surgery and met the inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up period of 28.39 ± 14.68 (range 2 to 59) months. Investigation of preoperative and postoperative weightbearing lateral radiographic images was performed to determine the global foot and ankle, isolated ankle, and isolated midfoot sagittal ranges of motion. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in ankle range of motion (p = .046) and a significant decrease in midfoot range of motion (p < .001) from preoperatively to postoperatively. The change in global foot and ankle range of motion was not significant (p = .53). For this patient population, the increased ankle range of motion effectively resulted in less compensatory midfoot range of motion.

Total ankle joint replacement

Ankle arthritis results in a stiff and painful ankle and can be a major cause of disability. For people with end-stage ankle arthritis, arthrodesis (ankle fusion) is effective at reducing pain in the shorter term, but results in a fixed joint, and over time the loss of mobility places stress on other joints in the foot that may lead to arthritis, pain and dysfunction. Another option is to perform a total ankle joint replacement, with the aim of giving the patient a mobile and pain-free ankle. In this article we review the efficacy of this procedure, including how it compares to ankle arthrodesis, and consider the indications and complications.