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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
[The TNK ankle: short- and mid-term results]
1Department of Ortopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Kashihara, Japan. yatanaka@naramed-u.ac.jp
Der Orthopade
|April 7, 2006
Summary
Total ankle replacement using ceramic prostheses shows improved clinical scores for arthritis patients. While loosening occurred, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis cases, it remains a viable alternative to ankle fusion.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Total ankle replacement (TAR) has evolved over 30 years.
- Ceramic-based prostheses, like the TNK ankle, have undergone continuous improvements.
- This study focuses on the longest follow-up data for ceramic TAR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the newest generation TNK total ankle prosthesis.
- To assess the long-term success and identify factors influencing outcomes in patients undergoing TAR.
- To compare results between rheumatoid arthritis and non-rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Main Methods:
- Seventy of the newest generation TNK total ankle prostheses were implanted between 1991 and 2001.
- Sixty-seven prostheses were clinically and radiographically assessed at a mean follow-up of 62 months.
- Revision rates and reasons for revision were recorded.
Main Results:
- Clinical scores significantly improved: from 34 to 86 for primary/posttraumatic arthritis, and 45 to 74 for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Loosening was observed in 4 non-rheumatoid arthritis ankles and 17 rheumatoid arthritis ankles.
- Three ankles required revision surgery.
Conclusions:
- Total ankle replacement is a valuable alternative to ankle arthrodesis, with satisfactory results from current ceramic implants.
- The bone-implant interface is critical for successful long-term outcomes.
- The biological advantages of ceramics may contribute to sustained success in total ankle replacement.
