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Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Changes in gait following the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement
James W Brodsky1, Fabian E Polo, Scott C Coleman
1Human Motion and Performance Laboratory, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA. footandanklefellowship@gmail.com
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|October 21, 2011
Summary
Total ankle arthroplasty significantly improves ankle function and gait parameters. Patients experienced increased ankle motion, walking velocity, and power post-surgery, indicating a more normal gait compared to pre-operative states.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomechanics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is gaining popularity, but data on its impact on ankle motion and gait are limited.
- This study addresses the need for prospective data on TAA's effect on gait.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the effect of the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) on patient gait.
- To assess changes in ankle joint motion, kinetic, and temporal-spatial gait parameters following TAA.
Main Methods:
- Fifty patients with advanced ankle arthritis underwent unilateral TAA with the STAR prosthesis.
- Three-dimensional gait analysis, including motion capture and force plates, was used.
- Measurements included temporal-spatial parameters, sagittal plane range of motion, ankle power, and plantar flexion-dorsiflexion moment.
Main Results:
- Walking velocity significantly increased due to higher cadence and stride length.
- Ankle range of motion improved from 14.2° to 17.9°, primarily from increased plantar flexion.
- Significant increases in ankle power (0.69 to 1.00 W/kg) and plantar flexion moment (0.88 to 1.09 Nm/kg) were observed.
Conclusions:
- TAA, specifically the STAR prosthesis, leads to more normal ankle function and gait compared to ankle arthrodesis.
- Objective gait parameters showed marked improvement post-TAA compared to pre-operative function.
- Long-term gait improvement maintenance requires further investigation.
