Total ankle replacement

TLDR

Between 1993 and 2000, 200 cementless, mobile‑bearing STAR total ankle replacements were implanted. At a mean 46‑month follow‑up, the cumulative five‑year survival rate was 92.7 % (95 % CI 86.6–98.8), with eight complications requiring further surgery, 14 revisions or fusions, and the most frequent complications being delayed wound healing and malleolar fracture, which decreased with surgical experience.

Abstract

Between 1993 and 2000 we implanted 200 cementless, mobile-bearing STAR total ankle replacements. None was lost to follow-up for reasons other than the death of a patient. The mean follow-up was for 46 months (24 to 101). A complication requiring further surgery developed in eight ankles and 14 were revised or fused. The cumulative survival rate at five years was 92.7% (95% CI 86.6 to 98.8) with time to decision to revision or fusion as an endpoint. The most frequent complications were delayed wound healing and fracture of a malleolus. These became less common with experience of the operation. The radiological appearance of the interface of the tibial implant was significantly related to its operative fit and to the type of bioactive coating.