Total Ankle Replacement: A Review

Abstract

Despite the initial failures of ankle arthroplasty, the newer generations of total ankle replacement h ave shown good medium term results. Reasons stated for this change include a better overall understanding of ankle biomechanics; lessons learnt from hip and kne e arthroplasty, improved ankle implant designs that better replicate the human anatomy and finally in t he development of foot and ankle surgery as a subspeciality with committed surgeons. Literature supp orts the use of total ankle replacement for advance d ankle arthritis in elderly patients with moderately active lifestyle but recommends counselling patien ts appropriately regarding reasonable expectations and complications. This review looks at the developmen t of total ankle replacement, present indications; the s urgical technique, the results from various centres and indicates the present position regarding the manage ment of ankle arthritis.