Total Ankle Replacement: Biomechanics of the Designs, Clinical Outcomes, and Remaining Issues

Abstract

The present review paper aimed at discussing the current major issues in total ankle replacement, both the technical and biomechanical concepts, and the surgical and clinical concerns. Designers shall target at the same time restoration of natural ankle kinematics and congruity of the artificial surfaces throughout the range of motion. Surgeons are recommended to expand biomechanical knowledge on ankle joint replacement, and provide appropriate training and key factors to make arthroplasty a good alternative to arthrodesis. Moreover, adequate selection of patients and careful rehabilitation are critical. In the future, custom-made prosthesis components and patient-specific instrumentation are major developments for more complex cases.

Keywords: Arthritis; Joint mobility; Meniscal bearing; Patient satisfaction; Prosthesis components; Prosthesis design; Revision rate.