Ankle Function and Sports Activity after Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Abstract

This study showed that TAA improved the quality of life and that return to recreational activities was generally possible but the return to impact sport was rarely possible.

Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis. Comparison of sports, recreational activities and functional outcome

“…In fact, there were 85% and 86% of patients, respectively, satisfied or very satisfied with the results of the operation [34].…”

The Salto Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Survivorship and Analysis of Failures at 7 to 11 years

“…Three surgeons (MB, JAC, TJ) performed all operations using a standardized technique [5,6]. The goal was to restore a physiologic tibiocalcaneal axis and an anatomic joint line level.…”

“…Particularly in Europe, the appearance of new-generation, mobile-bearing, cementless prostheses has renewed interest in TAA [5,11,24,33,48,[51][52][53]. The theoretical advantages of TAA compared with arthrodesis are maintaining joint ROM and restoring more normal kinematics in the hopes of providing the patient with greater comfort and better functional recovery [7,31,33,35,49]. The disadvantages are related to the risk of mechanical complications with failure sometimes requiring implant removal along with subsequent arthrodesis, which can be technically demanding and lead to a less satisfactory result than with primary arthrodesis [10,19,47].…”

Sport and activity restrictions following total ankle replacement: A survey of orthopaedic foot and ankle specialists

“…Valderrabano et al found that the rate of sports participation increased postoperatively in patients undergoing TAR, however two subsequent studies found the rate of participation to be about the same before and after TAR [9][10][11][12]. Importantly though, in all three of these studies, more than half of patients with a TAR were participating in sports after surgery.…”

“…The few studies that have looked at postoperative physical activity and athletic participation rates following TAR describe varying results and provide little guidance for surgeons [9][10][11][12]. While it appears that both physical activity and sports participation tend to increase after total ankle replacement, no one has actually studied surgeon comfort, rationale, or preference regarding return to these specific activities.…”