Exploring Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty Failures: A Comparison Between Failed and Successful Revision Cases

Abstract

This study assesses the comorbidities that are associated with failed revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and explores the outcomes following a failed revision TAA. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent a revision TAA at a single institution from 2008 to 2022. Patients were identified as having revision failure if they required explantation, below-knee amputation (BKA), or a revision of either metal component. Statistical analysis was performed to identify any significant differences and summarize outcomes. The study included a total of 87 patients who underwent revision TAA with 12 patients who subsequently experienced revision failure. The revision TAA failure rate was 13.8%. There were higher rates of former smokers (58.3%; n = 7) and a history of diabetes (33.3%; n = 4) in the failure cohort, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Limb salvage procedures were achieved in 11 cases (91.7%). Approaches for failed revision TAAs included arthrodesis (n = 5) with 2 isolated ankle arthrodesis (AA) and 3 tibio-talo-calcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis, an additional revision arthroplasty (n = 6), or amputation (n = 1). Ankle arthroplasty retention was successful in 6 cases (50.0%). Our results demonstrate that a second revision approach was chosen in half of the cases, underscoring its viability as a successful intervention according to patient preferences.

Level of Evidence: III