The Evolution of Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Abstract

Ankle arthritis can lead to disabling pain and loss of function. While arthrodesis surgery leads to reliable pain relief, it is associated with development of degenerative joint disease in adjacent joints. The success of hip and knee arthroplasty has led to interest in developing a total ankle arthropalsty. Unfortunately, this has, historically, been associated with poor results. This is due to a failure to appreciate joint biomechanics and optimial fixation techniques. In this article, we describe the evolution in design of ankle arthoplasty. We comment upon differing generations of designs and introduce the reader to differing outcomes between these implants.