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Development and Implantation of a Universal Talar Prosthesis
Julia Bowes1, Samer Adeeb2, Andrew Grosvenor3
1Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Frontiers in Surgery
|December 6, 2019
Summary
A universal talar replacement prosthesis offers a viable solution for avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus, reducing pain and improving ankle function. This innovative implant provides an accessible alternative to custom prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Talar avascular necrosis (AVN) leads to bone collapse, causing severe pain and disability due to ankle and subtalar osteoarthritis.
- Custom talar prostheses yield good outcomes but are expensive and require complex, time-consuming planning.
Observation:
- A novel universal talar replacement prosthesis was developed and implanted in a patient with bilateral talar AVN.
- The patient received bilateral universal talar prostheses, with evaluations conducted at 12 and 34 months post-surgery.
Findings:
- Post-implantation, the patient experienced reduced pain and increased range of motion in both ankles.
- The SF-36 questionnaire indicated improvements across all domains, with the patient expressing high satisfaction.
Implications:
- The universal talar prosthesis demonstrates effectiveness and feasibility as an alternative to custom implants.
- Further development can lower costs, enhance accessibility, and provide a crucial treatment option for talar AVN.

