Total Ankle Replacement: Episode 77
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In this episode: Total Ankle Replacement is going through a bit of a renaissance. It was attempted in the past with mixed success but has in the last few years become a more common treatment options for those dealing with ankle pain and ROM loss due to arthritis or trauma.
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Chip Review @ (11:16): Chex Mix – Hot & Spicy Ghost Pepper (Thank you Jean)
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Trivia question of the week @ (10:12): – What two nations share the longest border?
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Brief overview of the episode:
Total Ankle Replacement, aka Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) is an uncommon procedure. Rare, even really rare are appropriate ways to describe it. This procedure was most common in the mid 90’s and occurs at least 40% less than that now.
The reason it is so rare is that it historically has not been a viable option. People who underwent the produce would end up with a number of issues. Poor life span, stress deformation of the prosthetic and surrounding tissue and also significant bone loss occurred way to often.
Over the last few months of 2019 we started to see and hear about more total ankle replacements being done and end up treating some individuals who had it done.
Unlike other joint replacements TAA does not allow for immediate weight bearing. Commonly 6 weeks of non-weight bearing in a cast or walking boot is prescribed. This results in the use of a knee scooter, walker or crutches needing to be used. Joint swelling is a big problem following total ankle arthroplasty. This is difficult to manage when someone is casted or generally restricted with their movements.
Total ankle arthroplasty is not often recommended as a treatment option because it has historically not been success. As technology advances maybe this will change. In many cases an ankle fusion will be a more comfortable and better functioning option.