Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Total Ankle Arthroplasty Between End-Stage Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Standard Total Ankle Arthroplasty vs. Patient-Specific Instrumentation: A Comparative Study

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aims to compare surgical outcomes between two cohorts of patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) using either standard technique or patient-specific instrumentation (PSI).

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients who affected of end-staged ankle osteoarthritis were retrospectively assessed and divided into two groups based on TAA techniques: a TAA standard technique group and a TAA-using PSI group. The two groups were compared in terms of operative time, additional procedures, complications (neurovascular and wound problems, infection, loosening and osteolysis, revision and explantation rates, and perioperative fracture), clinical scores, and range of motion (ROM).

RESULT

Fifty-one patients underwent standard TAA, while 13 patients underwent TAA with PSI. At 1-year follow-up, there were no significant differences in complication rates between the two groups (p > 0.05). AOFAS scores were similar, with the standard TAA group scoring 83.33 ± 7.55 and the PSI group scoring 82.92 ± 9.7 (p = 0.870). Likewise, the postoperative ROM did not differ significantly, with 15.12 ± 7.6 degrees for the standard TAA group and 16.05 ± 6.7 degrees for the PSI group (p = 0.689). However, the standard TAA group experienced significantly longer operative time (107.1 ± 22.1 min) compared to the PSI group (91.92 ± 22.9 min, p = 0.032). Additionally, the standard TAA group required more adjunctive procedures (29.7%) compared to the PSI group (7.7%, p = 0.04). Residual pain was also more frequently reported in the standard TAA group (62.7%) than in the PSI group (30.7%, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

While both techniques resulted in comparable complication rates, clinical scores and ROM, the PSI group reported significantly shorter operative time and less residual pain, thus requiring fewer postoperative procedures.

Fixed-bearing versus mobile-bearing total ankle replacement survivorship. A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Main objective of this research is to know if there is a different survival rate between fixed bearing (FB) and mobile bearing (MB) total ankle replacement (TAR). We hypothesized that there are no differences between the survival rates of both implants.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov databases‎ to identify published studies from August 2018 to September 2022 including results for FB and MB TAR survivorship. Inclusion criteria included 1) primary TAR in one or both feet in which implant could be identified‎, 2) a minimum of 20 procedures reported, 3) reported implant survivorship or calculable and 4) a minimum of 12 months follow-up for level 1-3 studies or 60 months for level 4 studies.

RESULTS

3902 ankles in 28 studies were included. 719 were FB and 3104 MB with an overall survivorship of 94% (95% CI [0.89; 0.97]) and 89% (95% CI [0.86; 0.92]) respectively. After subgroup analysis, we did not find differences among both groups (p = ‎0.429‎). Meta-regression analysis showed that longer follow-up was associated with lower survival rates in MB group (p = 0.000) while no other relationships were found with other factors (age, level of evidence or conflict of interests).

CONCLUSIONS

No differences in survival rates between both groups were found. Age and other studied confounders were not found to be related with implant survivorship. However, longer follow-up was found to be related with lower survival rates. Studies with longer follow-up and higher level of evidence are needed to confirm results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, systematic review of level I to IV studies.

Comparison of clinical and radiographic results of mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Clinical results of mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported, but no studies have compared osteoarthritis (OA) and RA. Clinical and radiographic outcomes after at least 3 years were compared between OA and RA.

METHODS

Eleven ankles with OA and 22 ankles with RA were followed after mobile-bearing TAA (FINE total ankle system). Clinical outcomes were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated by the angular position of the implant, radiolucent lines, migration, and subsidence. Operative and postoperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, or complications, except the final follow-up AOFAS total score (OA: 89.4 vs RA: 78.2; p = .044) and pain score (OA: 37.3 vs RA: 30.5; p = .041) at a mean follow-up of 83.4 months. Delayed wound healing occurred in 9.1% in RA and none in OA. Radiolucent lines were observed in 45% of both groups, and implant removal was performed in 9.1% and 18.2% of OA and RA, respectively; there were no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The final follow-up AOFAS total score and pain score were significantly higher in OA after the FINE total ankle system. There was a discrepancy between radiographic abnormalities and implant removal in both OA and RA.

Return to sports after total ankle arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Technological developments and implants newer generation allowed to expand the indications for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with aim to maintain active lifestyles. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined chance of return to sport, achievable activity level, the type of patients and the sport type after TAA.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed. Meta-analysis was performed if the same outcomes scores were reported at least by 4 studies. PRISMA guidelines were used. Risk of bias was assessed through the MINORS criteria. Included studies reported data and outcomes related to sport in patients undergoing TAA.

Result

Initial search results yielded 483 articles; 11 articles were included in the review process. The chance to return to sport increases after TAA, achieving a mean sport participation rate of 61.9% postoperatively. Until to 92% of patients was able to return to their preoperative level of activity. Meta-analysis showed a significant postoperative improvement in the most represented outcomes scores. Especially, young, male, with lower BMI, and affected by non-inflammatory osteoarthritis were those who returned to sport reporting significantly better outcomes scores. The most frequent postoperative sports included cycling, swimming, hiking and gymnastic. Only few patients practiced impact sport.

Conclusions

Current literature does not allow to advise TAA for young and active patient who want to play sports after surgery. Selected patients undergoing TAA can return to sport after surgery, and the most approachable activities are low demanding sport. However, no strong evidence is available to support these findings. Further prospective randomized studies are necessary to establish more accurate expectations concerning sport activity after TAA implantation.

Level of evidence

Level II, systematic review.

Patient-related risk factors associated with poorer outcomes following total ankle arthroplasty

Aims

This scoping review aims to identify patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).

Methods

A scoping review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A computer-based literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane trials, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full-text screening according to predetermined selection criteria. English-language original research studies reporting patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following TAA were included. Outcomes were defined as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), perioperative complications, and failure.

Results

A total of 94 studies reporting 101,552 cases of TAA in 101,177 patients were included. The most common patient-related risk factor associated with poorer outcomes were younger age (21 studies), rheumatoid arthritis (17 studies), and diabetes (16 studies). Of the studies using multivariable regression specifically, the most frequently described risk factors were younger age (12 studies), rheumatoid arthritis (eight studies), diabetes (eight studies), and high BMI (eight studies).

Conclusion

When controlling for confounding factors, the most commonly reported risk factors for poor outcome are younger age, rheumatoid arthritis, and comorbidities such as diabetes and increased BMI. These patient-related risk factors reported may be used to facilitate the refinement of patient selection criteria for TAA and inform patient expectations.

Carboxymethyl chitosan regulates oxidative stress and decreases the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α in macrophages induced by wear particles

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) on titanium particles-induced oxidative stress in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. The mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into four groups: (i) the control group; (ii) the CMC group received stimulation of CMC for 4 h; (iii) the titanium particles group received stimulation of titanium particles for 12 h; and (iv) the CMC group received pre-stimulation of CMC hydrogels for 4 h followed by treatment of titanium particles for 12 h. Afterwards, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the cells was measured by flow cytometry. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the activities of oxidases and antioxidant enzymes. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to analyze mRNA levels of enzymes and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). ELISA was used to detect the mass concentration of TNF-α after indicated treatment. CMC effectively suppressed titanium particles-induced oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells, as evidenced by the decrease in intracellular ROS level, the transcription of oxidases, and TNF-α concentration as well as the increase in the transcription of antioxidant enzymes. CMC exerts a protective impact against wear particles-induced oxidative stress and reduces the release of TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells.

Stress fractures in the forefoot after arthrodesis of the hindfoot in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: A case report

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks multiple joints throughout the body. Ankle arthrodesis (AA) has been the gold standard surgery for end-stage ankle arthritis in patients with RA. Here, we report the case of a 67-year-old woman with RA who had displacement and loosening of total ankle arthroplasty. The ankle was converted to AA using a metal spacer and an intramedullary nail. The patient had no complications in perioperative terms of arthrodesis. However, multiple fractures were found in the metatarsal bones at the routine 3-year follow-up. Although the patient did not remember any symptoms, the clinical outcome deteriorated compared to that a year before. The hindfoot in this case report was fixed completely by an intramedullary nail, while the midfoot had already involved ankylosis because of severe joint destruction present before the surgery. As a result, the range of motion in the joints of the midfoot and hindfoot was lost, and it is probable that an excessive load was applied to the forefoot during push-off by the toes, resulting in a stress fracture. Patients with RA remain at risk of future progressive joint destruction in every joint of their body. Therefore, surgeons should choose a surgery that preserves ankle motion to decrease the rate of adjacent joint degeneration for severe ankle arthropathy in patients with RA.

Total Ankle Replacement Outcome in Patients With Inflammatory Versus Noninflammatory Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The decision regarding total ankle replacement (TAR) is challenging in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) regarding more inferior bone quality, large bone cysts, and increased risk of infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the functional outcome, revision rate, complication rate, and survival rate of TAR between IA (including rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) and noninflammatory arthritis (NIA) (primary and posttraumatic).

METHODS

After reviewing the full texts, 30 articles fulfilled all inclusion criteria from 1985 until 2021, comparing TAR results. The eligible studies included 5508 patients, of whom 1565 patients had IA and 3943 patients had NIA. At the time of surgery, the average age was 58 years in the IA group and 63 in the NIA group. The average follow-up was 67.2 months in the IA group and 67 months in the NIA group. The outcome measures were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the rate of complications, revisions, and survival.

RESULTS

The mean final AOFAS score was 82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78-86) in the IA group and 83 (95% CI: 78-88) in the NIA group, with no significant difference. There was no significant difference in the mean preoperative to postoperative AOFAS score change between the IA and the NIA. The complication rate was 16% (95% CI: 9%-27%) in the IA group and 15% (95% CI: 8%-27%) in the NIA group with no significant difference. The revision rate was 12% (95% CI: 10%-15%) in the IA group and 13% (95% CI: 10%-18%) in the NIA group, which was significant (P = .04). There was no significant difference in the survival rate between IA and NIA.

CONCLUSION

Total ankle replacement is a safe procedure in inflammatory ankle arthritis, specifically in RA patients with relatively minor and major complications close to other reasons for ankle replacement.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV: prognostic.