Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
09:01
Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
The total ankle arthroplasty learning curve with third-generation implants: a single surgeon's experience
R Carter Clement1, Evgeny Krynetskiy, Selene G Parekh
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Foot & Ankle Specialist
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Surgeons experienced fewer complications with third-generation total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) implants over time. Early complications like fractures and malalignment decreased with experience, though wound issues persisted.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is gaining traction as an alternative to arthrodesis.
- Recent literature supports new-generation implants for TAA.
- Surgeons encounter a learning curve when adopting TAA procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the learning curve for surgeons using third-generation TAA implants.
- To analyze complication rates associated with early TAA adoption.
- To identify factors influencing TAA outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 26 TAA procedures.
- Review of charts and radiographs for perioperative and early postoperative complications.
- Inclusion of three third-generation implants: SBi STAR, Salto Talaris, and Wright Medical INBONE.
Main Results:
- Incidence of perioperative fractures decreased significantly (P = .0431).
- Component malalignment with the STAR implant reduced over time (P = .0034).
- Wound complications occurred in 5 patients, all in the latter half of the series.
Conclusions:
- Third-generation TAA implants show potential for reduced adverse events.
- Surgical experience can mitigate specific complications like fractures and malpositioning.
- Findings inform surgical training, adoption of TAA, and patient counseling.
