Current Concepts in Total Ankle Replacement for Radiologists: Features and Imaging Assessment

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2015 Nov;205(5):1038-47. doi: 10.2214/AJR.14.14170.

Abstract

Objective: This article reviews the current concepts of total ankle replacement (TAR). The features of traditional and new prosthetic designs, materials, and surgical techniques are discussed. Normal postoperative imaging findings are illustrated.

Conclusion: TAR is becoming a mainstream treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Although the results after TAR have not reached the same level as those for hip arthroplasty and knee arthroplasty, the revision rates show that this form of therapy is rational and promising. For this reason, assessment of postoperative imaging is important. The foundation of the radiologic interpretation of TAR is knowledge of the physiologic purpose, orthopedic trends, imaging findings, and complications.

Keywords: imaging assessment; total ankle arthroplasty; total ankle replacement.

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ankle Joint / surgery*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Ankle*
  • Humans
  • Joint Prosthesis*
  • Osteoarthritis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteoarthritis / surgery*
  • Radiography