[Arthroplasty of the upper ankle joint. Possibilities and limitations]

It is out of the question that alloarthroplasty of the upper angle joint must today belong to the therapeutic repertoire of the orthopedic surgeon. The anatomical situation of the upper ankle joint brings considerable problems for the total replacement and then also for the surface replacement. At the time being models are already available, which, seen on the whole, have already brought quite reliable results. Requirement for the success of the operation is the technically perfect insertion of the surface replacement or of the total joint and furthermore the insertion of the replacement under appropriate conditions, whereby the operation in an aseptive room ("Reinraum") has proven itself effective also on the upper ankle joint.