Ankle replacement: management of associated deformities

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanics
• Podiatric medicine

Background:

• Ankle arthroplasty is gaining traction as a viable alternative to ankle arthrodesis.
• Maintaining limb alignment and muscle function is critical for successful ankle replacement outcomes.
• Deformities can manifest at the ankle joint, above it, or within the foot, complicating surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of addressing bony and muscular imbalances in ankle arthroplasty.
• To discuss the role of secondary procedures in optimizing ankle replacement success.
• To provide an overview of pre- or simultaneous surgical interventions for lower limb deformities.

Main Methods:

• Review of current surgical techniques in ankle arthroplasty.
• Analysis of the impact of lower limb alignment on implant longevity.
• Discussion of pre-operative and intra-operative management of foot and leg deformities.

Main Results:

• Successful ankle arthroplasty necessitates comprehensive correction of deformities.
• Secondary procedures like osteotomies and fusions can be crucial for achieving optimal limb biomechanics.
• Staged or simultaneous surgical interventions improve the potential for long-term ankle implant survival.

Conclusions:

• Restoring anatomical alignment and muscle balance is paramount for durable ankle arthroplasty.
• Addressing deformities in the foot and leg is integral to the overall success of ankle replacement surgery.
• A holistic approach, including corrective procedures, enhances the likelihood of favorable long-term outcomes in ankle arthroplasty.