[Total ankle arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis]

Modern second generation total ankle arthroplasty is now a serious alternative to ankle fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after careful assessment of the indications. The midterm results with 10-year survival rates between 70% and 90% and the possible revision for implant exchange or arthrodesis are the reasons for the increasing importance of ankle arthroplasty. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis in particular with generally lower physical requirements can expect a pain-free function of the operated ankle for 8-10 years. In comparison to fusion ankle arthroplasty allows a significantly faster remobilization and reserves the correction capabilities of the ankle. Arthrodesis remains a valuable therapeutic alternative for severe bony destruction and instability as well as a possible fallback for failure of arthroplasty.