Ankle/Hindfoot Arthrodesis as a Salvage Procedure for Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty

CATEGORY: Ankle; Hindfoot INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: High failure rate after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in 10-year follow-up has been reported, ranging from 10 to 20%. Massive bony destruction after TAA often caused by periprosthetic osteolysis, implant subsidence or loosening, or periprosthetic infection, and it would be considerable challenge to many orthopedic surgeons. In some cases, it is difficult to perform revision arthroplasty. For failed TAA, ankle/hindfoot arthrodesis can be performed as a salvage procedure. In this study, we evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of the ankle/hindfoot arthrodesis in patients with failed TAA. METHODS: Ankle/hindfoot arthrodesis was performed in 10 ankles with failed TAA from October 2003 to March 2019 (at least 6- month follow-up). As for the clinical evaluation, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores were assessed. Postoperative complications such as skin necrosis, surgical site infection (SSI), or non-union were reviewed through medical records. Radiographs including CT images at last follow-up were assessed to confirm bone union. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 49.1 months (range, 7-89). There were 6 cases performed with tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis, and 4 cases with ankle arthrodesis. The operations were performed at mean postoperative 46.6 months (range, 8- 178) from index TAA. Allo-femoral head structural bone graft was used in 9 cases, and auto proximal tibia cancellous bone graft was used in 5 cases. Mean VAS pain score decreased from 7.6 pre-operatively to 2.2. AOFAS score increased from 15.6 to 42.0 (subjective assessment only; maximum score=68). 3 revision surgeries had been performed after initial arthrodesis (1 case for SSI, 2 cases for non-union), and bone union was obtained in 2 cases (1 case of SSI, 1 case of non-union). CONCLUSION: Ankle/hindfoot arthrodesis after failed TAA can be optimal surgical option for the patients with massive bony destruction which compromises revision arthroplasty. It acts as a salvage procedure for failed TAA and could yield favorable outcome.