Effect of total ankle replacement on the 3-dimensional subtalar joint alignment in varus ankle osteoarthritis

BackgroundVarus ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is typically associated with peritalar instability, which may result in altered subtalar joint position. This study aimed to determine the extent to which total ankle replacement (TAR) in varus ankle OA can restore the subtalar alignment.MethodsFourteen patients (15 ankles, mean age 61 ± 6 years) who underwent TAR for varus ankle OA were analyzed using semi-automated measurements based on weight-bearing computed tomography. Twenty healthy individuals served as a control group.ResultsAll angles improved between preoperative and a minimum of 1 year (mean 2.1 years) postoperative and were statistically significant in 6 out of 8 angles (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that talus repositioning after TAR restores the subtalar joint alignment which may improve hindfoot biomechanics. Future studies are required to implement these findings for TAR in presence of hindfoot deformity.Level of evidenceIV.     

Comparing 30-day all-cause readmission rates between tibiotalar fusion and total ankle replacement

BackgroundEnd-stage ankle arthritis is a debilitating condition that negatively impacts patient quality of life. Tibiotalar fusion and total ankle replacement are treatment options for managing ankle arthritis. Few studies have examined short term readmission rates of these two procedures. The objective of this study was compare all-cause 30-day readmission rates between patients undergoing tibiotalar fusion vs. total ankle replacement.MethodsThis study queried the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) from 2013–2014 and used international classification of disease, 9th revision (ICD-9) procedure codes to identify all patients who underwent a tibiotalar fusion or a total ankle replacement. Comorbidities, insurance status, hospital characteristics, and readmission rates were statistically compared between the two cohorts. Risk factors were then identified for 30-day readmission.ResultsA total of 5660 patients were analyzed with 2667 in the tibiotalar fusion cohort and 2993 in the total ankle replacement cohort. Univariate analysis revealed that the readmission rate after tibiotalar fusion (4.4%) was statistically greater than after total ankle replacement (1.4%). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that deficiency anemia (OR 2.18), coagulopathy (OR 3.51), renal failure (OR 2.83), other insurance relative to private (OR 3.40), and tibiotalar fusion (OR 2.51) were all statistically significant independent risk factors for having a readmission within 30-days.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that during the short-term period following discharge from the hospital, patients who received a tibiotalar fusion are more likely to experience a 30-day readmission. These findings are important for decision making when a surgeon encounters a patient with end stage ankle arthritis.Level of evidence: Level III, cohort study.     

距下关节、踝关节对后足运动影响的实验研究

目的研究踝关节与距下关节的运动范围及其对后足运动的影响。方法选用青壮年新鲜小腿-足标本8足,分别固定于特制的夹具中,用横穿跟骨体部的骨圆针标记跟骨,测量跟骨在坐标系内的三维位移,分别固定距下关节、踝关节,测量各自在固定情况下跟骨在坐标系内的三维位移。通过矩阵转换和函数方程,利用位移计算跟骨的三维旋转角度。分析后足在距下关节固定、踝关节固定或不固定任何关节时各平面活动范围及对后足活动度的影响。结果后足在不同的关节固定情况下均表现出三维运动。固定踝关节时,后足内翻15.99°±2.81°,外翻8.62°±1.90°,背屈3.70°±1.00°,跖屈5.87°±1.39°,内收7.64°±2.04°,外展3.99°±1.78°;固定距下关节时,后足内翻7.13°±1.07°,外翻5.52°±0.85°,背屈17.09°±2.87°,跖屈30.75°±5.04°,内收10.77°±1.56°,外展6.54°±1.88°;不固定任何关节时,后足内翻18.87°±3.89°,外翻9.12°±2.05°,背屈22.62°±3.21°,跖屈40.88°±5.77°,内收17.48°±2.26°,外展11.47°±2.29°。距下关节或踝关节固定后,后足在三个平面上的运动均受到影响。结论在后足运动中,内、外翻主要是距下关节的活动,背屈、跖屈主要是踝关节的活动。后足在冠状面上的运动,踝关节与距下关节能相互代偿     

Preoperative incongruent subtalar joint predicts less favorable clinical outcome in total ankle arthroplasty

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the clinical effect of incongruent subtalar joint space on total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).MethodsThirty-four consecutive patients who underwent TAA were grouped according to the status of subtalar joint incongruency. A comparison of clinical and radiographic parameters between groups as well as multiple regression analysis was performed to identify contributing factors to the final functional outcome.ResultsThe final American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was significantly higher in the congruent group compared to that of the incongruent group (p = 0.007). There were no significant differences between the two groups in measured radiographic angles. In multiple regression analysis, the female sex (p = 0.006) and incongruency of the subtalar joint (p = 0.013) were found to be significant contributing factors to the final AOFAS score.ConclusionsA thorough preoperative investigation should be taken into the state of the subtalar joint for TAA.     

Risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection following total ankle replacement

BackgroundIdentifying preoperative patient characteristics that correlate with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total ankle replacement (TAR) is of great interest to orthopaedic surgeons, as this may assist with appropriate patient selection. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature to identify risk factors that are associated with PJI following TAR.MethodsUtilizing the terms “(risk factor OR risk OR risks) AND (infection OR infected) AND (ankle replacement OR ankle arthroplasty)” we searched the PubMed/MEDLINE electronic databases. The quality of the included studies was then assessed using the AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline and Systematic Review Methodology. Recommendations were made using the overall strength of evidence.ResultsEight studies met the inclusion criteria. A limited strength of recommendation can be made that the following preoperative patient characteristics correlate with an increased risk of PJI following TAR: inflammatory arthritis, prior ankle surgery, age less than 65 years, body mass index less than 19, peripheral vascular disease, chronic lung disease, hypothyroidism, and low preoperative AOFAS hindfoot scores. There is conflicting evidence in the literature regarding the effect of obesity, tobacco use, diabetes, and duration of surgery.ConclusionsSeveral risk factors were identified as having an association with PJI following TAR. These factors may alert surgeons that a higher rate of PJI is possible. However, because of the low level of evidence of reported studies, only a limited strength of recommendation can be ascribed to regard these as risk factors for PJI at this time.     

Distribution of segmental foot kinematics in patients with degenerative joint disease of the ankle

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the ankle is a debilitating chronic disease associated with severe pain and dysfunction resulting in antalgic gait alteration. Little information is available about segmental foot and ankle motion distribution during gait in ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of the current study was to dynamically characterize segmental foot and ankle kinematics of patients with severe ankle arthrosis requiring total ankle replacement. This was a prospective study involving 36 (19 M, 17 F) adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of ankle arthrosis (“DJD” group) and 36 (23 M, 13 F) healthy subjects (“Control” group). Motion data were collected at 120 Hz using a 3‐D motion camera system at self‐selected speed along a 6‐m walkway and processed using the Milwaukee Foot Model (MFM). The SF‐36 Health Survey and Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle‐hindfoot scale were administered to evaluate functional levels. Findings include decreases in walking speed, cadence, stride length and swing phase, and reduced outcomes scores (SF‐36 and AOFAS). Multisegemental motion in patients with ankle DJD demonstrates significant changes in foot mechanics characterized by altered segment kinematics and significant reduction in dynamic ROM at the tibia, hindfoot, forefoot, and hallux when compared to controls. The results demonstrate decreased temporal‐spatial parameters and low outcomes scores indicative of functional limitations. Statement of clinical significance: Altered segment kinematics and reduced overall range of motion demonstrate how a single joint pathology affects kinematic distribution in the other segments of the foot and ankle and alters patients’ overall gait. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1739–1746, 2018.

     

人工踝关节置换后疗效评价

人工踝关节置换的疗效已有显著提高,作为人工关节学科中一种已有广受瞩目的发展,它的进步、术后疗效的评价无疑是人工踝关节的重要环节。本文探讨国外人工踝关节疗效评价标准的同时,提出我国的人工踝关节置换疗效评价方法。     

The motion between components in a mobile-bearing total ankle replacement measured by cone-beam CT scanning

BackgroundTo measure the motion of polyethylene insert and implant components of mobile-bearing total ankle replacement (TAR) by cone-beam CT scanning.Methods10 TAR patients with high amount of clinical motion after the CCI implant (Ceramic Coated Implant; Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, TN, USA) with average age at operation 64,3 years (range 47–84) and average clinical total range of motion 42 degrees (range 35–55) were included.ResultsThe average total range of motion between the insert and the tibial component was 0.8 mm (range 0–2) in the coronal plane, and 2.9 mm (range 1–6) in the sagittal plane. There was wide variation in the axial rotation measurements between the components.ConclusionWe found measurable motion between the mobile-bearing insert and the tibial component in all planes. The relevance of this motion to the function and long-term survival of the TAR remains to be determined.     

Six year results of the Rebalance mobile bearing total ankle replacement

BackgroundWe report the outcomes of a prospective consecutive series of 267 total ankle replacements (TARs) using a new mobile bearing Rebalance® prosthesis.MethodsBetween April 2011 and December 2018, 267 consecutive Rebalance® prostheses were implanted in 255 patients at 3 different centers. Estimated survival curves with 95% confidence intervals were produced with the Kaplan–Meier method. 110 ankles were followed for at least 5 years and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed in 92 of these ankles.ResultsTwenty-one ankles were revised at a mean of 34 (7–60) months. The estimated survival was 90% (95% CI 86–95) at 5 years and 88.3% (95% CI 83.–94 at 6 years. The ankles followed for at least 5 years demonstrated a median Likert score of 1 (1–4). Radiolucent zones were detected in 14% and osteolytic cysts in 3%.ConclusionThe survival rate of the Rebalance prosthesis conforms with other reports of similar designs. The satisfaction rate was high. Radiological zones and osteolytic cysts were found at a lower rate than usually reported for mobile bearing TARs. These results favour further use of this implant.     

Incidence of ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement between 1997 and 2018: A nationwide registry study in Finland

BackgroundSurgical treatment options for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA) include ankle arthrodesis (AA) and total ankle replacement (TAR). We investigated the national incidence of AA and TAR and assessed trends in the surgical management of ankle OA in Finland between 1997 and 2018.MethodsThe Finnish Care Register for Health Care was used to calculate the incidence of AA and TAR based on sex and different age groups.ResultsThe mean age (SD) of patients was similar, 57.8 (14.3) years for AA and 58.1 (14.0) for TAR. TAR showed a 3-fold increase from 0.3 per 100 000 person-years in 1997 to 0.9 per 100 000 person-years in 2018. The incidence of AA operations decreased during the study period from 4.4 per 100 000 person-years in 1997 to 3.8 per 100 000 person-years in 2018. TAR utilization increased notably at the expense of AA between 2001 and 2004.ConclusionTAR and AA are both widely used procedures in the treatment of ankle OA, with AA being the favored option for most patients. The incidence of TAR has remained constant for the past 10 years, indicating appropriate treatment indications and utilization.     

Long-term results of total ankle replacement

The results are reported of 19 total ankle replacements in 18 patients with rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis. After a mean follow-up period of 54.4 months (minimum, 24 months), three arthroplasties had failed, all because of loosening. Although all of the remaining patients were improved in terms of pain and function, there was radiographic evidence of loosening in a further eight patients. Indications for the operation are discussed.     

踝关节病的人工踝关节置换

[目的]探讨人工踝关节置换治疗踝关节病的疗效。[方法]对1999~2004年1月的18例患者包括骨性踝关节炎6例,创伤性踝关节炎9例,局限性距骨缺血坏死2例,踝关节融合后1例,均采用L ink STAR假体3构件套进行人工踝关节置换。18例中,男13例,女5例;平均年龄47.7岁(38~67)。[结果]随访平均3 a 9个月(1~5 a)。按Kofoed评价系统观察疗效,优(85~100)16例,良(75~84)2例,无可(70~74)和差(<70)。患足背屈平均8°(范围6°~12°),跖屈12°(范围8°~16°),背屈和跖屈平均16°(11°~23°)。并发症有切口皮缘坏死2例,无足内、外翻和影像学松动。[结论]人工踝关节置换是治疗和替代踝关节多种疾患疼痛和需要融合的良好方法。     

Qualitative analysis of foot intersegment coordination in the sagittal plane following surgery for end‐stage ankle osteoarthrosis

Today, ankle joint kinematic assessment gives important information regarding the intersegment range of motion. It does not, however, provide information regarding coordination between the segments. This study aimed to determine whether or not intersegment coordination can provide valuable, otherwise missed information in relation to kinematic alterations of the ankle joint. The study consisted of 40 participants, including 12 total ankle replacement (TAR) patients, 12 ankle arthrodesis (AA) patients, and 16 controls. Gait assessment was carried out wearing 3‐D inertial sensors. Intersegment coordination was determined by calculation of the continuous relative phase (CRP) between foot intersegments. CRP analysis found useful information regarding the magnitude and directionality of segment motion throughout the gait cycle, with AA patients reporting an altered coordination pattern for all three intersegments, forefoot–hindfoot, hindfoot–shank, and forefoot–shank, and TAR patients showing alterations in the hindfoot–shank intersegment. Results show that assessment of intersegment coordination can provide further information, otherwise overlooked by the general kinematic assessment, which could be used to optimize patient rehabilitation. Furthermore, the study showed that such information could be used to compare surgical outcomes. As a result, the study concludes that the inclusion of intersegment coordination assessment could be beneficial in clinical practice. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1304–1310, 2017.

     

Timeline for maximal subjective outcome improvement following total ankle arthroplasty

BackgroundMaximal medical improvement (MMI) establishes the timepoint when patients no longer experience clinically significant improvements following surgery. The purpose of this investigation is to establish when patients achieve MMI following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) through the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).MethodsA systematic review to identify studies on TAA which reported consecutive PROMs for two years postoperatively was performed. Pooled analysis was done at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. Clinically significant improvement was defined as improvement between time intervals exceeding the minimal clinically important difference.ResultsTwelve studies and 1514 patients met inclusion criteria. Clinically significant improvement was seen up to 6 months postoperatively in both the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Score and Visual Analog Scale scoring systems. The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Dysfunction and Bother subsections showed maximal clinically significant improvement by 1 year postoperatively.ConclusionFollowing TAA, MMI is seen by one year postoperatively. Physicians may allocate the majority of resources within the first year when most of the improvement is perceived. This data may help inform preoperative counseling as it establishes a timeline for MMI.Level of evidenceIV.     

Efficacy of total ankle replacement with meniscal-bearing devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction The reputation of total ankle arthroplasty for treating end-stage ankle arthritis of different origin is dubious. Newer generation meniscal-bearing prostheses may have overcome the known problems with earlier implants. There is, however, no systematic approach to the available scientific evidence allowing for a critical appraisal of their benefits and risks.Materials and methods We conducted a systematic review meta-analysis of studies exploring the efficacy of three-component total ankle prostheses. We demanded a minimum sample size of 20 subjects, at least 1 year of follow-up, and a clinically relevant study endpoint (for example, results of ankle scoring, ranges of motion [ROM], complications, and survival rates). We identified citations by electronic medical databases and a manual search. We made no restrictions for language. We used an eight-point quality scale to appraise methodological standards, and modeled outcomes by random-effects meta-regression analysis.Results Eighteen of 1830 citations including 1086 patients fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Studies met a median of four quality items (interquartile range 2–5). Outcome estimates did not depend on methodological quality. There was no evidence of strong heterogeneity or publication bias. With standardized 100-point ankle and hindfoot scores, formal data pooling was possible for 10 trials ( n =497), showing a mean improvement of 45.2 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.3–51.1). Overall ROM improved slightly (6.3°, 95%CI 2.2–10.5°). Weighted complication rates ranged from 1.6% (deep infections) to 14.7% (impingement). Secondary surgery had to be performed in 12.5%, whereas secondary arthrodesis was necessary in 6.3%. The weighted 5-year prosthesis survival rate averaged 90.6%.Conclusions Ankle arthroplasty improves pain and joint mobility in end-stage ankle arthritis. Its performance in comparison to the current reference standard (that is, ankle fusion) remains to be defined in a properly designed randomized trial.     

Complications following total ankle arthroplasty: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTotal ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly used as a treatment for end-stage ankle arthropathy. However, TAA may be more sensitive to complications, failure and subsequent re-operations compared to ankle arthrodesis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to generate an overview of complications of TAA surgery.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were searched between 2000 and 2020 to identify all papers reporting on complications in TAA surgery. Meta-analysis was conducted based on type of complication in TAA surgery. Pooled estimates of complications were calculated using a random effects model. Risk of bias and quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and ROBINS-I tools. The confidence in estimates was rated and described according to the recommendations of the GRADE working group.ResultsOne hundred twenty-seven studies were included in this systematic review. All combined, they reported on 16.964 TAAs with an average follow-up of 47.99 ± 29.18 months. Complications with highest reported pooled incidence were intra-operative fracture 0.06 (95 %CI 0.04–0.08) (GRADE Very low) and impingement 0.06 (95 %CI 0.04–0.08) (GRADE low) respectively.ConclusionReported complication incidence of TAA surgery is still high and remains a significant clinical problem that can be severely hampering long-term clinical survival of the prosthesis. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis can help guide surgeons in informing their patient about complication risks. Implementation of more stringent patient selection criteria might contribute to diminishing TAA complication rates.     

STAR人工踝关节数字器械库的建立和手术模拟

[目的]探讨数字模拟(Scandinavian total ankle replacement,STAR)人工踝关节置换术的可行性和方法.[方法]应用Mimics 10.01、Geomagic studio 10.0、PRO/E 2.0软件模拟建立三维踝关节、STAR常用手术器械库、STAR人工关节假体模型库,利用PRO/E 2.0软件的强大建模及装配功能,对STAR人工踝关节手术步骤进行逐步模拟.[结果]成功模拟STAR人工踝关节置换术手术步骤.[结论]数字模拟STAR人工踝关节置换术可行,有助于熟悉及掌握该手术,对STAR人工踝关节置换术的术前准备、术中都有指导意义.     

人工踝关节置换的X线评价

[目的]研究人工踝关节置换前后的X线片评价。[方法]提出术前和术后的踝关节正侧位片的X线片评价要点进行分析,根据X线影像确定术前的切骨部位、植骨和固定方法,明确了假体的正确位置和位置异常可能导致的并发症。如踝关节不稳定、半脱位、胫骨基板倾斜、边缘载荷和影像学松动等。[结果]43例随访2年~8年4个月,平均5年5个月。踝关节功能采用Kofoed评价标准和作者评价方法进行分析,优(85~100)32例,良(75~84)9例,差(60~74)2例,无失败(<60)。踝关节功能状况:足背伸6°~16°,跖屈8°~28°,足背伸和跖屈的活动范围14°~38°,平均21.4°。并发症有切口缘皮肤坏死3踝,术中内外踝骨折1踝。无足内翻、足外翻和假体影像学松动病例。[结论]采用正确的X线评价,是提高人工踝关节置换质量,防范和及早发现并发症的重要措施。     

Enhanced recovery (fast-track surgery) after total ankle replacement: The state of the art

The post-operative results of a total ankle replacement are not determined solely by an optimal surgical technique, but by an appropriate anesthesiological and rehabilitative post-operative approach. Enhanced functional recovery often depends on a multidisciplinary approach based on a correct framework of the patient and his needs, requests, and characteristics.Extensive bibliographical research has been performed on Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus.This comprehensive and inclusive review of the literature aims to examine the state of the art of “fast-track” protocols employed in total ankle replacement (TAR), considering pre-operative preparation, anesthetic management, intraoperative and surgical factors, post-operative rehabilitative care and reduction of hospitalization time.     

Learning curve assessment for total ankle replacement using the transfibular approach

BackgroundTotal ankle arthroplasty is an increasingly effective option for the treatment of end-stage arthritis. One recent innovation utilizes a transfibular, lateral approach. Like any new system, there is likely a learning curve associated with its use. We analyzed a series of patients who received a total ankle arthroplasty via a transfibular approach to state if it is possible to identify and to evaluate effects of a learning curve in the use of this novel total ankle replacement system.Methods76 consecutive patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a minimum of 24 months of follow-up. Intraoperative parameters, preoperative and postoperative subjective outcome scores, radiographic parameters, and complications were recorded and evaluated.ResultsThere were significant learning curve effects on various surgical and postoperative parameters. Surgical time decreased with the curve stabilizing after the 16th patient. With regard to patient outcomes, a learning curve was identified for the VAS, AOFAS, and SF-12 MCS scores. The number of patients required to stabilize these curves were 21, 13, and 16, respectively. Alignment as measured by alpha and gamma angles also improved with experience, with the curves stabilizing at 18 and 15 patients, respectively. There was a larger number cases required for complication rates, with the curve stabilizing after the 39th patient. No significant learning curve was found for ankle ROM, SF-12 PCS, beta angle, tibio-talar ratio (TTR), or tibio-talar surface angle (TTS).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a significant learning curve with respect to operative time, patient outcomes, and radiographic parameters. Extrapolating this information, we urge surgeons to adequately familiarize themselves with any new implant through a training program in a high-volume center.Level of evidenceIV, case series.