Use of the Taylor Spatial Frame for Arthrodiastasis of the Ankle Joint

Ankle Distraction Arthroplasty: A Survivorship Review and Meta-Analysis

Multiple treatments exist for ankle osteoarthritis. Ankle arthrodesis is the gold standard in late-stage osteoarthritis, but sacrifices range of motion and risks nonunion. Total ankle arthroplasty is typically reserved for low-demand patients as the long-term outcomes are poor. Ankle distraction arthroplasty is a joint sparing procedure which utilizes external fixator frame to unload the joint. This promotes chondral repair and improves function. This study aimed to organize clinical data and survivorship in published papers and direct further research efforts. Thirty-one publications were evaluated and 16 were included in the meta-analysis. The Modified Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess quality of the individual publications. Random effects models were used to estimate the failure risk after ankle distraction arthroplasty. Ankle Osteoarthritis Score (AOS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), Van Valburg, and Visual Analog Scores (VAS) all improved postoperatively. Random effects model analysis revealed an overall failure ratio of 11% (95% CI: 7%-15%; p value ≤ .001; I2 = 87.01%) after 46.68 ± 7.17 months follow up, 9% (95% CI: 5%-12%; p value≤0.001 I2=81.59%) with less than 5 years follow-up and 28% (95% CI: 16%-41%; p value≤0.001 I2=69.03%) for patients with more than 5 years follow-up. Ankle Distraction Arthroplasty has promising short to intermediate term outcomes which makes this a reasonable treatment option to delay joint sacrificing surgery. The selection of the optimal candidates and consistent technique would improve research and subsequently outcomes. Based on our meta-analysis, negative prognostic factors include female sex, obesity, ROM < 20°, leg muscle weakness, high activity level, low preoperative pain levels, higher preoperative clinical scores, inflammatory arthritis, septic arthritis, and deformity.

Ankle Arthrodiastasis with Circular External Fixation for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthrodiastasis provides an alternative surgical treatment of the mild to moderate posttraumatic ankle arthritis. Ankle arthrodesis or ankle implant arthroplasty is usually reserved for the end-stage ankle arthritis and after conservative treatment options have been implicated for a long period of time. Ankle joint destructive procedures are often considered for the older and less active population with strict selected surgical criteria and prolonged rehabilitation. In either ankle joint-sparing or ankle destructive procedures, lower extremity deformity correction will need to be addressed before or at the time of index surgery for the overall patient's successful outcome.

Use of circular external fixation for combined subtalar joint fusion and ankle distraction

The authors discuss a novel technique not previously published that incorporates a subtalar joint arthrodesis with an ankle joint arthrodiastasis as an alternative to a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Young and active patients who experience refractory pain and stiffness to the rearfoot and ankle secondary to combined severe subtalar and ankle arthrosis are suitable candidates for this surgical procedure. This new approach is based on sound principles in the treatment of severe arthrosis affecting the ankle and subtalar joint. The authors are currently prospectively reviewing their surgical experience with this procedure and believe that it provides an alternative option for the patient, with potentially promising long-term results.