[Development and clinical application of ankle prosthesis]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Prosthetics and orthotics

Background:

• Ankle prostheses aim to restore function and alleviate pain in patients with severe ankle joint pathology.
• Development of ankle prostheses has historically lagged behind that of hip and knee joint replacements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the developmental trajectory of ankle prostheses.
• To analyze the clinical application and outcomes of ankle prosthesis designs.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review and analysis of recent literature on ankle prosthesis design.
• Examination of clinical application data and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Ankle prosthesis development has progressed through three generations, with notable improvements in biomechanical conformity.
• The third-generation ankle prostheses demonstrate higher postoperative survival rates and satisfactory clinical results compared to earlier designs.
• Despite advancements, current ankle prostheses still present challenges in biomechanics and material science.

Conclusions:

• The current survival rate of ankle prostheses indicates a need for continued research and development.
• Future improvements should focus on enhancing biomechanical alignment, exploring advanced materials, and optimizing implant design for long-term efficacy.