This AAOS symposium review by Chou et al. examines the role of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in end-stage ankle osteoarthritis — covering the epidemiology of ankle OA, the anatomic and biomechanical constraints that drove early implant failures, the evolution from first- to third-generation designs, reported clinical outcomes, and the spectrum of complications.
90% of patients reported decreased pain and high satisfaction
When evaluating a patient with end-stage ankle arthritis for TAA, remember that most have posttraumatic disease — not primary OA — and that coronal deformity >15° varus or valgus favors arthrodesis over replacement.
Wound complications and implant failure rates drop meaningfully with surgeon experience, so early referral to high-volume centers is appropriate for patients who are TAA candidates.
This AAOS symposium review by Chou et al. examines the role of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in end-stage ankle osteoarthritis — covering the epidemiology of ankle OA, the anatomic and biomechanical constraints that drove early implant failures, the evolution from first- to third-generation designs, reported clinical outcomes, and the spectrum of complications.
90% of patients reported decreased pain and high satisfaction
When evaluating a patient with end-stage ankle arthritis for TAA, remember that most have posttraumatic disease — not primary OA — and that coronal deformity >15° varus or valgus favors arthrodesis over replacement.
Wound complications and implant failure rates drop meaningfully with surgeon experience, so early referral to high-volume centers is appropriate for patients who are TAA candidates.