Early results of combined total ankle total talus replacement in the revision setting

Abstract

Background

Revision of failed total ankle replacement (TAR) is challenging and associated with increased morbidity. Given the increased popularity of TAR in treating end-stage ankle arthritis (ESAA), viable revision options are needed. The objective of this case series is to present a minimum 2-year clinical and radiographic outcomes of patient-specific custom 3D-printed total ankle total talus (TATR) prostheses in this unique subset of patients.

Methods

19 participants with ESAA and failed primary TAR who underwent TATR by a single surgeon at our institution from 2019 to 2021 were retrospectively identified. All participants were indicated for revision of primary STAR implant (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) and underwent replacement with 3D-printed titanium implants based on preoperative CT analysis (Additive Orthopaedics, Little Silver, NJ). Custom components included a mobile-bearing total talus and stemmed tibial system, performed through an anterior approach. Pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Pre- and postoperative implant alignment was assessed using medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) and tibiotalar angle (TTA) on anteroposterior, and sagittal tibial angle (STA) on lateral weight-bearing plain films.

Results

The average patient age was 60.6 (range, 39–77) years, with an average follow-up of 37.9 (range, 25.3–57.5) months. There was statistically significant improvement in all PROMIS domains. Short-term survivorship was 100%, with two participants (11.0%) requiring reoperation for postoperative complications: one underwent open reduction internal fixation of the tibia for a periprosthetic fracture, and another underwent medial gutter debridement and tarsal tunnel release for recurrent pain. There were no significant differences in pre- versus postoperative radiographic alignment measured by MDTA (89.9 vs 86.4), TTA (89.7 vs 88.1), or STA (85.2 vs 85.3).

Conclusion

Custom 3D-printed TATR is a promising option for revision TAR. There was significant short-term improvement in pain and physical function, with excellent short-term survivorship and an acceptable postoperative complication rate.