The effect of restoring the native ankle on clinical outcome and range of motion in total ankle arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND

To date, little is known about the relationship between implant positioning and TAA outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate how implant size and positioning influence clinical outcomes after TAA.

METHODS

In a retrospective review, 89 best and 89 worst cases were selected from 471 ankles based on clinical outcomes after primary TAA surgery. Tibiotalar joint line level, talar height, talar radius, anteroposterior position of the talus, and lateral tibial surface angle were measured on standard X-rays and correlated with clinical outcome measures.

RESULTS

Talar height was the only parameter correlated with ROM; it increased more in the good-progressing group (p = 0.031). ROM increased in the good-progressing group (p = 0.001) but not in the bad-progressing group (p = 0.141).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the joint line level and component positioning did not differ between groups, clinical outcomes and ROM were higher in the good-progressing group, suggesting the influence of other factors, such as soft-tissue condition.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective review of prospectively collected data.