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Published on: January 24, 2018
Use of a trabecular metal implant in ankle arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement
Anders Henricson1, Urban Rydholm
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Falu Central Hospital, Sweden. anders.henricson@ltdalarna.se
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.
