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Converting Ankle Arthrodesis to a Total Ankle Arthroplasty
J Chris Coetzee1, Fernando Raduan1, Rebecca Stone McGaver1
1Twin Cities Orthopedics, 2700 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN 55121, USA.
The Orthopedic Clinics of North America
|March 23, 2021
Summary
Converting painful ankle fusions to total ankle replacements can significantly improve quality of life and reduce pain. Arthroscopic fusion methods yield better outcomes than open fusions, and fibula absence is a contraindication.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Ankle fusion is a common treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis.
- Persistent pain after ankle fusion necessitates further intervention.
- Total ankle replacement (TAR) is an alternative to revision fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of converting ankle fusion to total ankle replacement.
- To identify factors influencing the success of TAR after ankle fusion.
Main Methods:
- Review of patient cases undergoing conversion from ankle fusion to TAR.
- Comparison of outcomes based on prior fusion technique (arthroscopic vs. open transfibular).
- Assessment of pain reduction and quality of life improvements.
Main Results:
- Conversion to TAR is feasible and effective in well-selected patients.
- Arthroscopic ankle fusion leads to better TAR outcomes than open transfibular fusion.
- Significant improvements in pain and quality of life were observed post-TAR.
Conclusions:
- Total ankle replacement is a viable option for managing painful ankle fusions.
- The method of the initial ankle fusion significantly impacts TAR success.
- Absence of the fibula is a contraindication for conversion to TAR.
