Periprosthetic osteolysis after total ankle arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Periprosthetic osteolysis is a significant complication following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).
• The HINTEGRA ankle system was utilized in this study to evaluate osteolysis incidence and characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and characteristics of periprosthetic osteolysis after TAA.
• To assess the association between osteolysis and clinical outcomes in TAA patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series included 99 ankles from 90 patients with a mean follow-up of 40.8 months.
• Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were used to identify and measure osteolysis.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score.

Main Results:

• Radiographic evidence of osteolysis was found in 37% of the 99 TAA cases.
• Helical CT scans demonstrated higher accuracy than radiographs for osteolysis detection and measurement.
• No significant differences in demographic parameters or major associations between osteolysis and clinical outcomes were observed.

Conclusions:

• Osteolysis is a common postoperative finding in TAA, with most lesions being quiescent.
• The incidence of osteolysis warrants concern due to potential long-term mechanical failure risks.
• Early diagnosis and evaluation of TAA osteolysis may guide limited revision surgery for impending prosthesis failure.