Ankle arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement

Despite recent anatomical and biomechanical improvements the longevity of current total ankle replacements remains limited. Once total ankle replacement has failed conversion into ankle arthrodesis provides a viable option and should therefore be considered. However, due to the massive bone loss, precarious soft tissues and in order to preserve leg length, this kind of surgical treatment is considered to be technically demanding with potential impairment of the quality of life and decreased global foot and ankle function as well. The present article focuses on salvage ankle arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement and seeks to provide a usable treatment algorithm.     

Salvage arthrodesis for failed total ankle arthroplasty

Background and purpose Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has gained popularity in recent years. If it fails, however, salvage arthrodesis must be reliable as a rescue procedure. We therefore investigated the clinical, radiographic, and subjective outcome after salvage arthrodesis in a consecutive group of patients, and concentrated on the influence of the method of fixation on union rate and on salvage in inflammatory joint disease.

Patients and methods Between 1994 and 2005, salvage arthrodesis was performed on 18 ankles (18 patients). Diagnosis was inflammatory joint disease (IJD) in 15 cases and osteoarthritis (OA) in 3. Tibio-talar fusion was performed in 7 ankles, and tibio-talocalcaneal fusion in 11. Serial radiographs were studied for time to union. Clinical outcome at latest follow-up was measured by the AOFAS score, the foot function index (FFI) and by VAS scores for pain, function, and satisfaction.

Results Blade plates were used in 7 ankles (4 IJD, 3 OA); all united. Nonunion developed in 7 of the 11 rheumatic ankles stabilized by other methods. 11 patients (8 fused ankles, 3 nonunions) were available for clinical evaluation. Their mean AOFAS score was 62 and mean overall FFI was 70. VAS score for pain was 20, for function 64, and for satisfaction 74. The scores were similar in united and non-united ankles.

Interpretation Blade plate fixation is successful in salvage arthrodesis for failed TAA. A high nonunion rate was found after salvage ankle arthrodesis in IJD with other methods of fixation. Clinical results were fair to good.     

Use of a trabecular metal implant in ankle arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement

Background and purpose Arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement is complicated and delayed union, nonunion, and shortening of the leg often occur—especially with large bone defects. We investigated the use of a trabecular metal implant and a retrograde intramedullary nail to obtain fusion.

Patients and methods 13 patients with a migrated or loose total ankle implant underwent arthrodesis with the use of a retrograde intramedullary nail through a trabecular metal Tibial Cone. The mean follow-up time was 1.4 (0.6–3.4) years.

Results At the last examination, 7 patients were pain-free, while 5 had some residual pain but were satisfied with the procedure. 1 patient was dissatisfied and experienced pain and swelling when walking. The implant-bone interfaces showed no radiographic zones or gaps in any patient, indicating union.

Interpretation The method is a new way of simplifying and overcoming some of the problems of performing arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement.     

Salvage of nonunion following ankle arthrodesis for failed total ankle arthroplasty

Revision operations for nonunion following total ankle arthrodesis for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) were reviewed in ten patients. Operations averaged 2.0 years after prior arthrodesis attempts and featured external fixation in seven, internal fixation in one, percutaneous pin fixation in one, and cast immobilization only in one. Bone graft was used in seven. Union was achieved in 78%. The one complication was an infection in a patient with prior sepsis. The results were considered excellent in three, good in one, fair in three, and poor in two of the nine patients with adequate follow-up evaluation (average, 7 years). Despite successful arthrodesis, residual symptoms were common because of factors such as hindfoot degenerative arthritis and malalignment.     

Arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement

We present a series of 16 patients treated between 1993 and 2006 who had a failed total ankle replacement converted to an arthrodesis using bone grafting with internal fixation. We used tricortical autograft from the iliac crest to preserve the height of the ankle, the malleoli and the subtalar joint. A successful arthrodesis was achieved at a mean of three months (1.5 to 4.5) in all patients except one, with rheumatoid arthritis and severe bone loss, who developed a nonunion and required further fixation with an intramedullary nail at one year after surgery, before obtaining satisfactory fusion. The post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved to a mean of 70 (41 to 87) with good patient satisfaction. From this series and an extensive review of the literature we have found that rates of fusion after failed total ankle replacement in patients with degenerative arthritis are high. We recommend our method of arthrodesis in this group of patients. A higher rate of nonunion is associated with rheumatoid arthritis which should be treated differently.     

踝关节融合治疗创伤后踝关节炎

 目的 探讨踝关节融合治疗创伤后踝关节炎的早期临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2012年5月,采用踝关节融合治疗并获得随访的47例创伤后踝关节炎患者资料,男28例,女19例;年龄14～72岁,平均44岁;均为Morrey-Wiedeman 3期踝关节炎,其中17例合并距下关节炎;31例有明显足内外翻畸形或马蹄足畸形,16例外观大致正常。采用Kofoed踝关节评分、美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS)踝与后足评分、Maryland足部评分及视觉模拟评价(visual analogue scale, VAS)评价术前及末次随访时足踝关节功能。结果 47例患者均获得随访,随访时间为5～52个月,平均25个月。末次随访时踝关节均融合,其中1例术后出现感染,经去除内固定及清创后踝关节融合。43例主观满意度为非常满意或满意,4例为一般,满意率为91.5%(43/47)。Kofoed评分,末次随访时平均为(80.96±6.07)分,与术前(48.11±5.00)分比较,差异有统计学意义;AOFAS评分,末次随访时平均为(82.21±4.26)分,与术前(53.38±5.52)分比较,差异有统计学意义;Maryland评分,末次随访时平均为(88.94±5.14)分,与术前(49.74±5.71)分比较,差异有统计学意义;VAS评分,末次随访时平均为(2.28±1.10)分,与术前(7.89±0.87)分比较,差异有统计学意义。踝关节正位X线片中,22例踝融合于中立位,19例外翻< 5°,3例外翻5°～10°,2例内翻< 5°,1例内翻5°～10°;侧位X线片中,32例踝融合于背伸中立位,12例跖屈5°以内,3例跖屈5°～10°。结论 踝关节融合治疗严重的创伤后踝关节炎早期即可纠正畸形、缓解疼痛与重建功能,是治疗创伤后踝关节炎的良好选择。     

Treatment of ankle osteoarthritis: arthrodesis versus total ankle replacement

While ankle arthrodesis has remained the gold standard treatment for symptomatic primary, secondary, and posttraumatic ankle arthritis, more recently, total ankle replacement (TAR) has seen considerable improvement in terms of biomechanics, function, and complication rates. However, while in the long-term degeneration of the adjacent joints is almost always found on radiographs after ankle arthrodesis, the longevity of TAR is still insufficient and does not match that of total knee and hip joints. The current review article focuses on the treatment of ankle arthritis by means of arthrodesis and TAR.     

Ankle fusion after failed ankle replacement in rheumatic and non-rheumatic patients

BackgroundWith longer follow-up, survival rate of total ankle replacements (TAR) diminishes. It is therefore important to have a reliable fall-back option in case of failed TAR. Revision arthroplasty is often impossible because of loss of bonestock or infection. Conversion to ankle fusion is then indicated. We investigated the clinical, radiographic and patient reported results for fusion after failed TAR in a consecutive group of patients. We concentrated on the influence of inflammatory joint disease (IJD) on union rate.MethodsPatient files and radiographic images of 46 consecutive patients (47 ankles) were reviewed. There were 22 patients with IJD. Fixation methods included; anterior plating, blade plate fixation, intramedullary nailing, compression screws and external fixation. Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) were used to determine patient related outcomes.ResultsForty out of 47 ankles (85%) Fused. Union rate in the non-IJD group (96%) was significantly higher compared to the IJD-group (73%, p = 0.04). Revisions and complications were more frequent in the IJD group, but numbers were too small to detect a significant difference. Mean PROM scores were: FAOS-symptoms; 68.5, FAOS-pain; 70.3, FAOS-QoL; 43.7, FAOS-ADL; 68.1 and FAAM-ADL; 52.1, with no significant difference between IJD and non-IJD patients.ConclusionsIJD-patients have a higher nonunion rate after ankle fusion for failed TAR. However, patient reported outcome is not significantly different between the two groups.Level of evidenceIV, retrospective cohort.     

Knee arthrodesis for failed total knee arthroplasty

The use of arthrodesis to salvage failed total knee arthroplasty is reviewed in nine patients. Prosthetic failure was due to infection in six cases, aseptic loosening in two cases, and instability in one case. The techniques of arthrodesis included six Hoffman external fixators, two fluted intramedullary rods (3M-Orthopedic Products Division, St Paul), and one pulsing electromagnetic field stimulator. Arthrodesis was successful in eight of nine patients, averaging 5.4 months to union. All eight patients resumed a painfree functional level of activity. Meticulous surgical technique and appropriate method of arthrodesis are emphasized.     

An approach to the failed ankle arthrodesis

Ankle arthrodesis remains the gold standard of surgical treatment for advanced ankle joint arthritis. Failure can occur as a result of infection, nonunion or malunion, resulting in pain and poor function. This paper offers a systematic approach to preventing, and managing these problems should they occur. Revision arthrodesis performed with a detailed understanding of the appropriate alignment and mechanics of the ankle joint, combined with meticulous attention to understanding and reversing the cause of the failure can result in successful salvage and restoration of function.     

Intramedullary knee arthrodesis as a salvage procedure after failed total knee replacement

Septic and aseptic loosening with or without extensive bone loss after total knee replacement are the most common indications for knee fusion. Both external fixation and intramedullary nailing can be used for the treatment, though the latter appears to be the method of choice for most patients. Nine patients were treated after a total knee replacement failure using intramedullary nailing. A long intramedullary nail with a proximal interlocking screw was used in five cases, and a customised nail was used in four cases. Successful fusion occurred in eight of nine patients (89%). Average time for the joint union was 6.5 months, and average operative blood loss was 860 ml. In two patients, iliac crest and patellar bone graft were also used. In conclusion, intramedullary nailing can give excellent results in achieving knee fusion after a failed knee replacement as it allows early weight bearing and at the same time offers stability, pain relief, and a high rate of union, even though the surgical technique is demanding.

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Résumé Les descellements septiques ou aseptiques avec ou sans perte de substance osseuse massive après remplacement total du genou sont les indications les plus fréquentes de l’arthrodèse du genou. Deux systèmes peuvent être utilisés pour cela, une fixation externe ou un clou centro médullaire, ce dernier apparaissant comme un traitement de choix pour la plupart des patients. 9 patients ont été traités après échec de prothèses totales du genou, à l’aide d’un clou centro médullaire. Ce clou centro médullaire avec un verrouillage proximal a été utilisé dans 5 cas et un clou sur mesure dans 4 cas. La fusion osseuse a été réalisée pour 8 patients sur 9 (89%). Le temps moyen pour obtenir la fusion a été de 6,5 mois et la perte sanguine post-opératoire de 860 ml. Chez deux patients, une greffe iliaque avec utilisation de la rotule comme greffe ont été utilisées. En conclusion, l’enclouage centromédullaire a donné d’excellents résultats dans la recherche d’une arthrodèse après l’échec d’une prothèse totale du genou. Elle permet un appui immédiat précoce et une bonne stabilité.

     

Outcome of unilateral ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement in terms of bilateral gait mechanics

Previous studies assessed the outcome of ankle arthrodesis (AA) and total ankle replacement (TAR) surgeries; however, the extent of postoperative recovery towards bilateral gait mechanics (BGM) is unknown. We evaluated the outcome of the two surgeries at least 2 years post rehabilitation, focusing on BGM. 36 participants, including 12 AA patients, 12 TAR patients, and 12 controls were included. Gait assessment over 50 m distance was performed utilizing pressure insoles and 3D inertial sensors, following which an intraindividual comparison was performed. Most spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in the TAR group were indicative of good gait symmetry, while the AA group presented significant differences. Plantar pressure symmetry among the AA group was also significantly distorted. Abnormality in biomechanical behavior of the AA unoperated, contralateral foot was observed. In summary, our results indicate an altered BGM in AA patients, whereas a relatively fully recovered BGM is observed in TAR patients, despite the quantitative differences in several parameters when compared to a healthy population. Our study supports a biomechanical assessment and rehabilitation of both operated and unoperated sides after major surgeries for ankle osteoarthrosis. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:377–384, 2014.     

Fusion techniques for failed total ankle arthroplasty

Salvage of failed total ankle arthroplasty is challenging because of the large bony deficit and disturbed soft tissue envelope, and often is a concomitant subtalar joint disorder. Failures may be revised by implant removal and arthrodesis with or without bone graft. The four common fusion methods are reviewed.     

Clinical outcome results of total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis: a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAnkle arthrodesis (AA) and replacement (TAA) are widely accepted options in managing end-stage ankle arthritis (ESAA). We hypothesize that clinical outcomes would be similar for both interventions.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial that collected data on patient demographics, complication rates, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores. We evaluated pre and postoperative scores within and between cohorts.ResultsThe thirty-nine ankles enrolled had a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 2.8 years. Total AOS scores improved significantly in both groups; 59.4 ± 15.9 to 38 ± 20 (p-value = 0.002) for TAA and 64.6 ± 19.7 to 31.8 ± 16.5 (p-value < 0.001) for AA at last follow-up. Complication rate was higher in the AA cohort with four major complications (20%).ConclusionWe observed a statistically significant benefit with TAA and AA. As a pilot trial, this study is meant to inform on design and feasibility of future RCTs.Level of evidenceII     

Ankle arthrodesis with a retrograde femoral nail for Charcot ankle arthropathy

BACKGROUND: Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing has gained acceptance as a salvage procedure for a multitude of ankle and hindfoot disorders and is frequently used in Charcot arthropathy of the ankle. Because of the severe osteopenia often associated with Charcot arthropathy of the ankle, an area of stress concentration leading to stress fracture at the proximal aspect of the nail has been identified. METHODS: To determine if this potential complication can be avoided, nine consecutive diabetic individuals with Charcot arthropathy of the ankle had ankle arthrodesis with a longer retrograde femoral nail. The average age of the patients was 52.3 years. Their average weight was 102.6 kg. RESULTS: Fusion was evident on radiographs in all nine patients at an average of 10.5 weeks. None of the patients developed a stress fracture or evidence of stress concentration at the proximal metaphyseal tip of the nails. One wound infection resolved after debridement and antibiotic therapy, and one postoperative hematoma resolved without surgery. At an average 32-month followup, all patients were ambulatory, using commercially available therapeutic footwear. None had developed a new foot ulcer, infection, or new episode of Charcot arthropathy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a retrograde femoral nail for ankle arthrodesis in patients with Charcot arthropathy appears to decrease the risk of stress fracture compared with shorter nails without increasing the risk of other complications.