Total Ankle Replacement. TAR

Just like the Hip, Knee and Shoulder replacements, the Ankle joint replacement procedure has been in practice for many years. The Mobility (DePuy. J&J) ankle replacement prosthesis is in use at the East Lancashire NHS Hospitals and Lancashire Foot Clinic since 2005. 
 

The Mobility Total Ankle System was developed in conjunction with an experienced surgeon design team, Dr Pascal F. Rippstein, Mr Peter Wood and Dr J. Chris Coetzee. It consists of 3 components with metal on plastic bearing. It does not require cementing in the bone instead it relies on bone ingrowth for fixation.

Total Ankle Replacement:

Ideal Patient for Total Ankle Replacement:

The ideal patient for whom ankle replacement is indicated would be somebody who because of age or other limitations is not going to participate in vigorous activity

• Well aligned ankle
• Foot of normal shape
• Pre operative range of movement of at least 20 degrees

Absolute Contra Indications:

• Severe deformity of ankle
• Neuropathic joints
• Talar necrosis involving more than 25% of the talar dome

Relative Contra Indications:

• Pre operative malalignment of more than 20 degree
• Severe restriction of movement
• Poor condition of skin and soft tissues
• Ankle collateral ligament laxity

Known Complications:

• Delayed wound healing
• Infection
• Fracture of either of the malleolus
• Asceptic loosening
• Edge loading

Track record:

• Cumulative survival of 92.7% at 5 yrs in a series of 200
• STAR ankles. Wood et al, JBJS Br. April 2003. 334-341

Various other types of Total Ankle Replacement Designs: