Use of femoral locking plate for salvage of failed ankle arthoplasty after trauma

Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion for Severe Deformity and Bone Loss

Tibiotalocalcaneal fusion is an effective salvage procedure for combined end-stage ankle and subtalar arthrosis and for the management of severe planar deformities of the ankle and hindfoot. Although the procedure results in a rigid ankle and hindfoot, it is often the only means of providing patients with a stable and painless foot and ankle for ambulation. Some patients who require the procedure have substantial bone loss that can be managed with a variety of autograft and allograft options. Options for tibiotalocalcaneal fixation include both internal and external devices, the selection of which depends on the underlying pathology, amount of bone loss, and type of bone graft selected. Relatively high complication rates associated with tibiotalocalcaneal fusion have been reported, with complications ranging from superficial infection to ultimate amputation; however, proper patient selection and careful graft and fixation planning can minimize the postoperative complications of the procedure.

Salvage of Failed Total Ankle Replacement Using a Custom Titanium Truss

Subsidence of the talar component results in significant morbidity after total ankle replacement. When recognized, prompt revision could be needed to preserve the function of the implant; however, this is not always the case. In situations in which the implant cannot be revised, tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis might be necessary to salvage the extremity. The purpose of the present report is to describe the use of a custom titanium alloy truss to fill a bony void created by explantation of the implant components. Total ankle replacement was performed as the initial surgery to address end-stage osteoarthritis. Two years after the index procedure, the patient underwent revision of the polyethylene and talar components with subtalar arthrodesis secondary to progressive subtalar osteoarthritis and talar subsidence. The implant subsequently became infected and was removed. The patient underwent re-implantation after the infection had resolved, but significant talar subsidence required conversion to a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a custom titanium alloy truss and retrograde intramedullary nail. At the most recent follow-up appointment, the patient was weightbearing on a stable extremity and pain free. Radiographic examination confirmed appropriate implant alignment and evidence of bone formation throughout the titanium truss. Although our results are restricted to a single case with initial, limited follow-up data, combining sound structural mechanics with an open architecture and unique texture, the custom titanium truss appears to maintain the limb length and promote healing across a large void.

Salvage of a Failed Agility Total Ankle Replacement System Associated with Acute Traumatic Periprosthetic Midfoot Fractures

This article presents a rare case involving combined revision of a failed Agility Total Ankle Replacement System (DePuy Orthopaedics, Warsaw, Indiana) and open reduction with internal fixation of periprosthetic midfoot fractures secondary to acute traumatic injury. The rationale for these procedures, the operative sequence of events, and recovery course are presented in detail. Causes for concern regarding subsequent revision, should this be required, are raised.