Conversion of painful tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to total ankle replacement using a 3-component mobile bearing prosthesis.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients who underwent conversion of a painful tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to a total ankle replacement.

METHODS

Six patients with painful ankle arthrodesis after tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis were included in this study. In all patients, conversion to total ankle replacement was performed using a 3rd-generation, non-constrained, cementless three-component prosthesis. The outcomes were analyzed at a mean follow-up of 3.4±1.9years (range 1.0-6.5).

RESULTS

One patient with painful arthrofibrosis underwent two open arthrolysis procedures at 1.2 and 5.6 years post index surgery, respectively. No revision of tibial or talar prosthesis components was necessary in this study. All patients reported significant pain relief and significant improvement in functional status.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the conversion of a painful ankle arthrodesis following tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to a total ankle replacement was a reliable surgical treatment.