Harnroongroj T. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014. doi:10.2106/JBJS.M.00377.
Even with the possibility of early prosthesis failure, survival of the talar body prosthesis can provide satisfactory ankle and foot function, according to study results.
Researchers reviewed 33 talar body prostheses implanted with use of a transmalleolar surgical approach that were available for follow-up at 10 to 36 years, or had failed prior to that time.
At the time of final follow-up, 28 of the 33 prostheses remained in place, and five had failed prior to 5 years. Follow-up duration was 10 to 20 years in eight patients, 20 to 30 years in eleven patients and 30 to 36 years in nine patients.
Although the researchers found no significant difference in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores among the three groups, AOFAS scores were lower among patients older than 65 years who had underlying disease that impeded walking ability. Size mismatch, tumor recurrence, infection and osteonecrosis of the talar head and neck caused early prosthesis failure, according to the researchers.
Three postoperative failures were treated with tibiotalar arthrodesis, one was treated with prosthesis revision and one was treated with below-the-knee amputation.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
