Orthopedic & Muscular System: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

The Box Ankle Replacement: Results at a Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years

Sandro Giannini, Matteo Romagnoli, Matteo Cadossi, Alberto Leardini

A new design of 3-part ankle replacement was developed to achieve compatibility with the natural ligaments by allowing certain fibres to remain isometric during passive motion. From July 2003 to April 2008 we have implanted 70 ankle prostheses. The mean age at surgery was 61.5 years (range 29.7-82.5). Mean follow-u is 6,4 years (5-9 years). Radiographs showed good alignment, no loosening and little signs of progressive radiolucency. The preoperative AOFAS score was 38.4 and at last follow-up increased to77,9. Function and Range-of-motion scored better than previous total ankles. Two revisions necessitated component removal, neither for implant failure. These results demonstrate that non-anatomically shaped talar and tibial components, with a fully conforming interposed meniscal bearing, can provide satisfactory clinical results in the short term.