Results at a minimum follow-up of 5 years of a ligaments-compatible total ankle replacement design

Background: A new design of 3-part ankle replacement was developed to achieve compatibility with the natural ligaments by allowing certain fibers to remain isometric during passive motion. Methods: We evaluate 75 ankle prostheses implanted from July 2003 to December 2008, at a mean follow-up 6.5. ±. 1.1. years (range 5-9 years). The mean age at surgery was 62. ±. 13. years (range 29-82). Results: The mean AOFAS scores achieved at pre-op and at last follow-up were respectively 37. ±. 5 (23-45) and 78. ±. 8 (64-98). (p. <. 0.001). Clinical range of motion of the ankle measured by goniometer pre op was 1°. ±. 2 of dorsiflexion and 12°. ±. 4° of plantarflexion; at last follow-up range of motion increased to 6°. ±. 5° in dorsiflexion (p. <. 0.01) and 18°. ±. 7° in plantarflexion (p. <. 0.05).Radiographs showed no loosening and little signs of radiolucency. Two revisions necessitated component removal, neither for implant loosening. The overall survival rate was 97.3%. Conclusions: Function and Range-of-motion showed significant improvements. These results demonstrate that ligaments-compatible shaped talar and tibial components, with a fully conforming interposed meniscal bearing, can provide satisfactory survival rates and clinical outcomes in the middle term.