Current Concepts in Total Ankle Replacement for Radiologists: Features and Imaging Assessment

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• End-stage ankle arthritis significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Total ankle replacement (TAR) offers a surgical solution for debilitating ankle pain and dysfunction.
• Advancements in prosthetic design and surgical techniques are improving TAR outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current concepts in total ankle replacement (TAR).
• To discuss traditional and novel prosthetic designs, materials, and surgical approaches.
• To illustrate normal postoperative imaging findings for TAR.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current concepts in total ankle replacement.
• Analysis of prosthetic designs, materials, and surgical techniques.
• Illustration of postoperative imaging findings.

Main Results:

• Total ankle replacement (TAR) is increasingly utilized for end-stage ankle arthritis.
• While not yet matching hip or knee arthroplasty outcomes, TAR shows promising revision rates.
• Understanding normal postoperative imaging is essential for accurate radiologic interpretation.

Conclusions:

• Total ankle replacement (TAR) is a rational and promising treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis.
• Radiologic assessment of TAR requires knowledge of its purpose, orthopedic trends, imaging findings, and potential complications.
• Accurate interpretation of postoperative imaging is vital for managing patients undergoing TAR.