Long term clinical results following Salto Talaris total ankle arthroplasty
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Citation
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Total ankle arthroplasty is a surgery that is being performed at an increasing rate. As this is a fairly new procedure in the realm of orthopedics, there is limited data on the survival ship of modern fixed-bearing total ankle replacements. With increased prevalence around the country, more long-term data is required to determine the expected survival of the implant, as well as common complications over the long-term. This study seeks to follow-up on our previous mean 5.2-year study to determine implant survival of a modern fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon. The specific model in question is the Salto Talaris TAA system. It is hypothesized that the survival of the metallic component of the implant will decrease dramatically compared to the previous follow-up, as the implant reaches its lifespan.
METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 78 consecutive patients (81 ankles) that were involved in a previous mean 5.2-year study. Of these 78 patients, 63 were still living of which we were able to follow-up with 45 (87.2%) of them (47 ankles). From the 45 patients we followed up with 31 of these patients (33 ankles) completed self-reported questionnaires, including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Short Form (SF)-36v2, and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). At each follow-up visit patients underwent range-of-motion examination and radiographic evaluation of the implant. Updated radiographs were obtained on 34 of the patients.
RESULTS: Implant survival of the metallic components of the cohort was 87.5% at a mean follow-up time of 10.1 years. There were a total of six revisions, one of which was complicated by a deep infection and explant after revision surgery. 17 ankles required subsequent surgery after the index total ankle replacement, with gutter debridement being the most common (n = 10). Outcome scores at a mean of 10.1 years revealed promising and stable scores from the 5.2-year study with a mean VAS pain of 18.5 and FADI of 77.7. Mean total range of motion was 35.7ยบ.
CONCLUSION: Salto Talaris fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty had excellent implant survival, maintained range of motion, and good functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 10.1 years. This study provided evidence that total ankle arthroplasty is a viable long-term alternative to ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage arthritis, but more prospective research is needed to justify this claim.