A single-centre experience of 29 total ankle replacement in haemophiliac patients: Therapeutic management, factor consumption and cost.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with haemophilia, repeated bleeding in large joints leads to chronic haemophilic arthropathy, a rare disease that can be managed surgically with ankle arthrodesis or with total ankle replacement (TAR). TAR has been reported to provide good surgical results in the medium/long-term and allow preservation of joint mobility but the medical therapeutic management of the patients has not been described. AIM: To describe the medical therapeutic management of TAR. METHODS: All patients with haemophilia A/B, with haemophilic ankle arthropathy, and who underwent TAR between April 2006 and October 2019 were retrospectively included. Factor consumption, perioperative and early complications, volume of blood lost, and orthopaedic data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients underwent 29 TAR (mean age was 44.7 years [range: 26-65]). In the 17 patients with HA without history of anti-FVIII inhibitor, the mean ± SD consumption the day of surgery was 116 ± 16 UI/kg when clotting factors were administered by continuous infusion, 106 ± 13 UI/kg when SHL factors were administered by bolus infusion, and 75 ± 22 UI/kg when EHL factors were administered by bolus infusion. During hospitalisation, the mean factor cost was €38,073 (83.7% of the total cost of surgery). Mean blood loss was significantly lower in patients treated with tranexamic acid (164 mL, range: 40-300) than in those not (300 mL, range: 70-800; p = .01). Six patients had haematoma. The 10-year survival free of any prosthesis removal/arthrodesis was estimated to be 92.2% (95% CI [83; 100]). CONCLUSION: The medical therapeutic management of TAR is complex, carried out by a multidisciplinary team but effective in avoiding the occurrence of complications.

Survival and risk assessment in revision arthroplasty of the ankle.

Aims: Implant failure has become more common as the number of primary total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) performed has increased. Although revision arthroplasty has gained attention for functional preservation, the long-term results remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of revision TAA using a mobile-bearing prosthesis in a considerably large cohort; the risk factors for failure were also determined. Methods: This single-centre retrospective cohort study included 116 patients (117 ankles) who underwent revision TAA for failed primary TAA between July 2000 and March 2010. Survival analysis and risk factor assessment were performed, and clinical performance and patient satisfaction were evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up. Results: The mean duration from initial revision TAA to last follow-up was 15.0 years (SD 3.0; 11.2 to 20.5). The cumulative survival rates of the revised ankles were 81% (95% confidence interval (CI) 74% to 88%), 74% (65% to 82%), and 70% (61% to 79%) at five, ten, and 15 years, respectively. Comorbidities prior to primary TAA, aseptic loosening, instability, or grafting of cysts were found to be the most common risk factors for secondary revision. The median value for preoperative pain, as assessed using the visual analogue scale, declined from 6 (interquartile range (IQR) 5 to 8) to 2 (IQR 0 to 5) (p < 0.001) and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from 43 (SD 17) preoperatively to 70 (SD 20) (p < 0.001) at last follow-up. Conclusion: Revision TAA offers acceptable survival rates after 15 years; it therefore offers a valuable option for treatment of implant failure in carefully selected cases. Although patient-reported outcomes improve substantially, the degree of improvement reported following primary TAA is not achieved.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Total Ankle Arthroplasty: State-of-The-Art Assessment of Implant-Related Pain and Dysfunction.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an effective alternative for treating patients with end-stage ankle degeneration, improving mobility, and providing pain relief. Implant survivorship is constantly improving; however, complications occur. Many causes of pain and dysfunction after total ankle arthroplasty can be diagnosed accurately with clinical examination, laboratory, radiography, and computer tomography. However, when there are no or inconclusive imaging findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly accurate in identifying and characterizing bone resorption, osteolysis, infection, osseous stress reactions, nondisplaced fractures, polyethylene damage, nerve injuries and neuropathies, as well as tendon and ligament tears. Multiple vendors offer effective, clinically available MRI techniques for metal artifact reduction MRI of total ankle arthroplasty. This article reviews the MRI appearances of common TAA implant systems, clinically available techniques and protocols for metal artifact reduction MRI of TAA implants, and the MRI appearances of a broad spectrum of TAA-related complications.

Vancomycin Powder Is Highly Cost-Effective in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a costly and potentially fatal complication in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Some surgeons apply topical vancomycin powder to minimize the risk of infection during TAA procedures. The purpose of our study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of using vancomycin powder to prevent PJI following TAA and to propose an economic model that can be applied by foot and ankle surgeons in their decision to incorporate vancomycin powder in practice. Using our institution's records of the cost of 1 g of topical vancomycin powder, we performed a break-even analysis and calculated the absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat for varying costs of vancomycin powder, PJI infection rates, and costs of TAA revision. Costing $3.06 per gram at our institution, vancomycin powder was determined to be cost-effective in TAA if the PJI rate of 3% decreased by an absolute risk reduction of 0.02% (Number Needed to Treat = 5304). Furthermore, our results indicate that vancomycin powder can be highly cost-effective across a wide range of costs, PJI infection rates, and varying costs of TAA revision. The use of vancomycin powder remained cost-effective even when (1) the price of vancomycin powder was as low as $2.50 to as high as $100.00, (2) infection rates ranged from .05 to 3%, and (3) the cost of the TAA revision procedure ranged from $1000 to $10 000.Levels of Evidence: IV.

Accuracy of CT-Derived Patient-Specific Instrumentation for Total Ankle Arthroplasty: The Impact of the Severity of Preoperative Varus Ankle Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Significant preoperative varus tibiotalar deformity was once believed to be a contraindication for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Our primary goal was to evaluate the influence of increasing preoperative varus tibiotalar deformity on the accuracy of final implant positioning using computed tomography (CT)-derived patient-specific guides for TAA. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with varus ankle arthritis underwent TAA using CT-derived patient-specific guides. Patients were subcategorized into varying degrees of deformity based on preoperative tibiotalar angles (0°-5° neutral, 6°-10° mild, 11°-15° moderate, and >15° severe). Postoperative weightbearing radiographs were used to measure coronal plane alignment of the tibial implant relative to the target axis determined by the preoperative CT template. Average follow-up at the time of data collection was 36.8 months. RESULTS: Average preoperative varus deformity was 6.06° (range: 0.66°-16.3°). Postoperatively, 96.9% (30/31) of patients demonstrated neutral implant alignment. Average postoperative tibial implant deviation was 1.54° (range: 0.17°-5.7°). Average coronal deviation relative to the target axis was 1.61° for the neutral group, 1.78° for the mild group, 0.94° for the moderate group, and 1.41° for the severe group (P = .256). Preoperative plans predicted 100% of tibial and talar implant sizes correctly within 1 size of actual implant size. Conclusion. Our study supports the claim that neutral postoperative TAA alignment can be obtained using CT-derived patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). Furthermore, final implant alignment accuracy with PSI does not appear to be impacted by worsening preoperative varus deformity. All but one patient (96.9%) achieved neutral postoperative alignment relative to the predicted target axis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Clinical Case Series.

Comparison of patient demographics, utilization trends, and costs of total ankle arthroplasty and ankle fusion in the United States from 2010 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Contemporary studies evaluating utilization and trends of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle fusion (AF) for tibiotalar osteoarthritis are sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to utilize a nationwide administrative claims database from 2010 to 2019 to compare: (1) baseline demographics; (2) utilization, (3) in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and (4) costs of care. METHODS: Using the PearlDiver database, a retrospective query from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2019 was performed for all patients who underwent TAA and AF for tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and geographic utilization were compared using Pearson Chi-square analyses. Linear regression was used to compare differences in procedure utilization and in-hospital LOS during the study interval. Reimbursements between the two cohorts during the study interval were compared. A p value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 14,248 patients underwent primary TAA (n = 5544) or AF (n = 8704). Patients undergoing AF were generally younger (< 60) with greater comorbidity burden driven by hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and tobacco use compared to TAA patients (p < 0.0001). Over the study interval, TAA utilization remained constant (912 vs 909 procedures; p = 0.807), whereas AF utilization decreased by 42.5% (1737 vs 998 procedures; p = 0.0001). Mean in-hospital LOS for patients undergoing TAA decreased (2.5 days vs. 2.0 days, p = 0.0004), while AF LOS increased (2.6 days vs. 3.5 days, p = 0.0003). Reimbursements for both procedures significantly declined over the study interval (TAA: $4559-$2156, AF: $4729-$1721; p < 0.013). CONCLUSION: TAA utilization remained constant, while AF utilization declined by 42.5% from 2010 to 2019. There was divergence in the LOS for TAA versus AF patients. Both procedures significantly declined by over 50% in reimbursements over the study interval.

Total Ankle Replacement Versus Arthrodesis for End-Stage Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: End-stage ankle osteoarthritis causes severe pain and disability. There are no randomized trials comparing the 2 main surgical treatments: total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion (AF). OBJECTIVE: To determine which treatment is superior in terms of clinical scores and adverse events. DESIGN: A multicenter, parallel-group, open-label randomized trial. (ISRCTN registry number: 60672307). SETTING: 17 National Health Service trusts across the United Kingdom. PATIENTS: Patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis, aged 50 to 85 years, and suitable for either procedure. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to TAR or AF surgical treatment. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was change in Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire walking/standing (MOXFQ-W/S) domain scores between baseline and 52 weeks after surgery. No blinding was possible. RESULTS: Between 6 March 2015 and 10 January 2019, a total of 303 patients were randomly assigned; mean age was 68 years, and 71% were men. Twenty-one patients withdrew before surgery, and 281 clinical scores were analyzed. At 52 weeks, the mean MOXFQ-W/S scores improved for both groups. The adjusted difference in the change in MOXFQ-W/S scores from baseline was -5.6 (95% CI, -12.5 to 1.4), showing that TAR improved more than AF, but the difference was not considered clinically or statistically significant. The number of adverse events was similar between groups (109 vs. 104), but there were more wound healing issues in the TAR group and more thromboembolic events and nonunion in the AF group. The symptomatic nonunion rate for AF was 7%. A post hoc analysis suggested superiority of fixed-bearing TAR over AF (-11.1 [CI, -19.3 to -2.9]). LIMITATION: Only 52-week data; pragmatic design creates heterogeneity of implants and surgical techniques. CONCLUSION: Both TAR and AF improve MOXFQ-W/S and had similar clinical scores and number of harms. Total ankle replacement had greater wound healing complications and nerve injuries, whereas AF had greater thromboembolism and nonunion, with a symptomatic nonunion rate of 7%. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institute for Health and Care Research Heath Technology Assessment Programme.

Simultaneous Total Ankle Replacement and Contralateral Ankle Arthrodesis for Bilateral Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study Focused on Clinical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis (AA) are two common surgical treatment options for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, few reports compare the outcomes of simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA for bilateral ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to assess changes in pain, joint range of movement (ROM), functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness following simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 12 patients with bilateral end-stage ankle osteoarthritis who underwent simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA in our institution between May 2016 and August 2018, and who had a minimum of two-year follow-up data. Clinical and radiological follow-up data for all patients were collected after 4 months, 1 year and 2 years. The results were assessed clinically on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and included ROM, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot score, and satisfaction questionnaire. The total hospital costs of patients were also recorded. Independent sample t tests were conducted to compare continuous variables between groups. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare changes from the preoperative to postoperative evaluations within each group. RESULTS: Both surgical groups presented with pain reduction (P < 0.001) at the one-year postoperative session, which was generally consistent until the two-year follow-up. There was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the mean AOFAS score postoperatively in both ankles. The functional outcomes at the one- and two-year follow-up were significantly better in patients in the TAR group than in those in the AA group (P < 0.001). Joint ROM differences were observed between the two groups after surgery (decreased ankle ROM in arthrodesis, P < 0.001; increased ankle ROM in arthroplasty, P < 0.001). The mean satisfaction score was 2 (range, 1-4) for the TAR group and 3 (range, 1-5) for the AA group. A significant difference in the satisfaction score was observed between the two groups (P = 0.036). Simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA was 34.1% less expensive than simultaneous bilateral TAR. No intraoperative complications were noted in either group. Wound healing occurred without problems within 2 weeks after surgery. No symptomatic deep venous thrombosis was found during follow-up. CONCLUSION: TAR had better patient-perceived post-operative function and preserves more anatomic sagittal plane motion compared to ankles undergoing AA. In addition, simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA are more cost-effective than simultaneous bilateral TAR, with lower costs for the average patient.

CT Scan Assessment and Functional Outcome of Periprosthetic Bone Grafting After Total Ankle Arthroplasty at Medium-term Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic cysts can occur in up to 95% of total ankle arthroplasties (TAA) and have been correlated with implant failure. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and radiologic outcomes, using computed tomographic (CT) scan, after periprosthetic cyst bone grafting and assess for the minimum cyst size that should be grafted. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all TAA procedures performed between 2007 and 2014 (n=93). A CT scan was done to assess cyst size and operative planning. Eight patients with 9 periprosthetic cysts larger than 1.75 cm3 were grafted and specimens sent for histology. The mean time to bone grafting was 7.3 (3.8-9.5) years. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle score, visual analog scale, and Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score. A CT scan was performed at follow-up to assess graft incorporation and cyst size progression. The mean time to CT scan post grafting was 3.0 (0.7-4.7) years. RESULTS: There was no implant malalignment identified and no differences in the pre- and postoperative functional scores. Preoperatively cysts had a mean volume of 8.16 (2.04-14.03) cm3. The mean percentage incorporation was 89% (69%-100%). Eight of the grafted cysts were considered successful on CT, with the ninth having 69% incorporation. Five cysts were not grafted, as they were below 1.75 cm3, and remained the same size or had minimal enlargement. CONCLUSION: The satisfactory results in this small cohort suggests that prophylactic bone grafting may extend implant survival. We recommend that periprosthetic cysts greater than 1.75 cm3 be prophylactically bone grafted, and that cysts smaller than 1.75 cm3 be monitored for progression in size. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case Series.

Distribution of High-Volume Ankle Replacement Surgeons in United States Metropolitan Areas.

BACKGROUND: Ankle osteoarthritis is increasing, thus creating greater demand for high-volume total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) surgeons. The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use File (MPUPD-PUF) provides volume and reimbursement data for procedures performed by physicians participating in Medicare. This study analyzes surgeon prevalence, surgeon distribution, and factors affecting surgeon prevalence in metropolitan areas. METHODS: The MPUPD-PUF was reviewed from 2012 to 2015, and data were extracted for physicians performing ≥11 TAA procedures. Physicians in metropolitan areas (population >1 million) were grouped together, and reimbursement, number of high-volume surgeons, and procedures were calculated. Presence of an American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) fellowship program was analyzed for associations with high-volume TAA surgeons. RESULTS: Fifty-three surgeons performed ≥11 TAA procedures (1,960 total) covered by Medicare. Of these surgeons, 66% practice in metropolitan areas with a population >1 million. Fifty-one percent of US major metropolitan areas contained no surgeon who submitted >10 traditional Medicare claims for TAA. Areas with an AOFAS fellowship had nominally more TAA claims submitted. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of high-volume TAA surgeons among major metropolitan areas in the United States is highly unequal. Analyzing the data with this method aids in targeting TAA surgeons to currently underserved areas. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective-comparative study.

Nationwide Analysis of Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Arthrodesis in Medicare Patients: Trends, Complications, and Cost.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of end-stage ankle arthritis consists of either ankle arthrodesis (AA) or total ankle replacement (TAR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate utilization trends in TAR and AA and compare cost and complications. METHODS: Medicare patients with the diagnosis of ankle arthritis were reviewed. Patients undergoing surgical intervention were split into AA and TAR groups, which were evaluated for trends as well as postoperative complications, revision rates, and procedure cost. RESULTS: A total of 673 789 patients were identified with ankle arthritis. A total of 19 120 patients underwent AA and 9059 underwent TAR. While rates of AA remained relatively constant, even decreasing, with 2080 performed in 2005 and 1823 performed in 2014, TAR rates nearly quadrupled. Average cost associated with TAR was $12559.12 compared with $6962.99 for AA (P < .001). Overall complication rates were 24.9% in the AA group with a 16.5% revision rate compared with 15.1% and 11.0%, respectively, in the TAR group (P < .001). Patients younger than 65 years had both higher complication and revision rates. DISCUSSION: TAR has become an increasingly popular option for the management of end-stage ankle arthritis. In our study, TAR demonstrated both lower revision and complication rates than AA. However, TAR represents a more expensive treatment option. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective comparative study.

Deformity Correction in Ankle Osteoarthritis Using a Lateral Trans-Fibular Total Ankle Replacement: A Weight-Bearing CT Assessment.

Background: Ankle osteoarthritis (AO) is often secondary to prior trauma and frequently presents with joint deformity. Total ankle replacement (TAR) has been shown as a viable surgical option to reduce pain, improve function, and preserve ankle joint range of motion. The standard TAR uses an anterior approach, but recently a lateral trans-fibular approach has been developed. Our aim was to determine if the lateral TAR was able to correct alignment and improve patient reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with end-stage AO. Methods: This IRB-approved, retrospective comparative study included 14 consecutive patients that underwent lateral trans-fibular approach TAR for end-stage AO. All patients had received pre-and post-operative WBCT imaging on the affected foot and ankle. Using multiplanar reconstruction of WBCT images, measures of coronal and sagittal plane ankle alignment: Foot and Ankle Offset (FAO), Talar Tilt Angle (TTA), Hindfoot Moment Arm (HMA), and Lateral Talar Station (LTS) were performed. PROs were collected pre- and postoperatively at the latest clinical follow-up. Results: All patients demonstrated a significant deformity correction in all measurements performed: FAO (7.73%-3.63%, p=0.031), HMA (10.93mm - 5.10mm, p=0.037), TTA (7.9o-1.5o, p=0.003), and LTS (5.25mm-2.83mm, p=0.018). Four of the PROs measured exhibited significant improvement postoperatively, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) (42.7-34.5, p=0.012), PRO-MIS Global Physical Health (46.1-54.5, p=0.011), EFAS (5-10.3, p=0.004), and FAAM Daily Living (60.5-79.7, p=0.04). Multivariate analysis assessing the influence of deformity correction in the improvements of PROs found that PROMIS Global Physical Health was significantly associated with improvements in FAO and LTS, TSK associated with HMA, and FAAM Daily Living with FAO and TTA (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this retrospective comparative cohort study suggest that the lateral trans-fibular TAR can correct different aspects of AO deformity. The method also impacted PROs, particularly TSK, PROMIS Global Physical Health, EFAS, and FAAM Daily Living. Direct correlation between some of the deformity correction measurements and the significantly improved PROs was found. The obtained data could help surgeons when making treatment decisions and be the base for comparative prospective studies. Level of Evidence: III.

The Epidemiology and Trends of Primary Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Revision Procedure in Korea between 2007 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical trends of primary total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and revision procedure in Korea from 2007 to 2017 using national population-based data. METHODS: We reviewed the National Health Insurance data of Korea from 2007 to 2017. The data included diagnosis codes, procedure codes, prescriptions, medical costs, and other demographic data. Trends of primary diagnosis for primary TAA were evaluated. Annual trends and incidences per 100,000 person-years of primary TAA and revision procedures as well as compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the study period were analysed. Surgical trends according to patients' age, hospital grades, and insurance systems were also evaluated. RESULTS: Primary diagnosis for primary TAA was mostly degenerative arthritis (6,501 cases; 90.5%). From 2007 to 2017, the total number of cases of primary TAA and revision procedures was 7,183 and 585, respectively. The number of cases in 2007 of primary TAA was 313; there were no cases of revision. The number of cases in 2017 of primary TAA were 986 and of revision were 108. The CAGR during this period was 28.6% for primary TAA and 44.6% for revision procedures. Incidences per 100,000 person-years in 2017 were 1.91 for primary TAA and 0.21 for revision procedures. The average cost paid by patients themselves was USD 813 (19%) and by the National Health Insurance Service was USD 3,480 (81%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of primary TAA and revision procedures steadily increases in Korea during the 11-year study period.

Intraoperative Assessment of the Axial Rotational Positioning of a Modern Ankle Arthroplasty Tibial Component Using Preoperative Patient-Specific Instrumentation Guidance.

BACKGROUND: The use of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in modern total ankle replacement (TAR) has augmented positioning of the tibial component, eliminating the need for complex jigs. Coronal and sagittal alignment are intuitive with this design and have been studied, but axial rotation has not. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the planned preoperative axial rotation as set by the PSI guide and the rotation determined intraoperatively with non-PSI instrumentation. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 22 consecutive cases. The axial rotation angle between the medial gutter and the tibial implant position on the preoperative CT-scan based plan was extracted. At the time of surgery, the medial gutter alignment instrument from the non-PSI instrumentation was inserted and an intraoperative axial photograph obtained to record the angle between the medial gutter and the axial rotation guide pins set by the PSI instrumentation. The 2 measurements were compared and further statistical analysis included Pearson correlation and paired Student t test. RESULTS: The average axial rotation angle between the medial gutter and the implant on the PSI preoperative plan was 5.4 ± 2.9 degrees, whereas the intraoperative photograph from the medial gutter alignment instrument to the pin was 5.9 ±3.8 degrees. This demonstrated a Pearson correlation of R = 0.54 and a P value of .53. The average difference between the two was -0.46 (95% CI: -2.04, 1.10), meaning that components were either slightly externally rotated or that the fork was aimed internally. Based on this group, 50% (11/22) were within 2 degrees of the target and 77% (17/22) were within 4 degrees of the target. CONCLUSION: Patient-specific guides allowed for reproducible rotational tibial component implantation in modern TAR. Further work is needed to better understand the biomechanical effects of the rotational profile and consequences on survivorship. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Routine Use of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin For Deep Venous Thrombosis Prophylaxis After Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether certain foot/ankle surgeries would benefit from the routine use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as postoperative deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. We conducted a formal cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision analytic tree to explore the healthcare costs and health outcomes associated with a scenario of no prophylaxis and a scenario of routine LMWH prophylaxis for 4 weeks. The 2 scenarios were compared for 5 procedures: (1) Achilles tendon repair (ATR), (2) total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), (3) hallux valgus surgery (HVS), (4) hindfoot arthrodesis (HA), and (5) ankle fracture surgery (AFS). The outcomes assessed included short- and long-term costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost per QALY gained. The costs were evaluated from the healthcare system perspective and are expressed in U.S. dollars at a 2015 price base. In the short term, routine prophylaxis was always associated with greater costs compared with no prophylaxis. For ATR, TAA, HA, and AFS, prophylaxis was associated with slightly better health outcomes; however, the gain in QALYs was minimal compared with the cost of prophylaxis (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio well above $50,000/QALY threshold). For HVS, prophylaxis was associated with both worse health outcomes and greater costs. In the long term, routine prophylaxis was always associated with worse health outcomes and either cost more (HA, AFS, HVS) or saved very little (ATR, TAA). We concluded that policies encouraging the routine use of LMWH after foot/ankle surgery are unlikely to be cost-effective. Decisions to perform prophylaxis should be on a case-by-case basis and should emphasize individual patient risk factors.

Prospective Cohort Study on the Employment Status of Working Age Patients After Recovery From Ankle Arthritis Surgery.

BACKGROUND: People who are affected by end-stage ankle arthritis are as disabled as those suffering from arthritis in other main articulations of the lower extremity. Once these patients become unable to perform their job duties, they leave the workforce and require financial aid from government agencies, which represents a considerable economic burden. Regardless of whether arthrodesis or arthroplasty is performed, we hypothesized that patients younger than 55 years at the time of surgery should be able to return to work within 2 years and require less social assistance. METHODS: Patients from 2002 to 2014 included in the nationwide prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database treated for end-stage ankle arthritis with a total ankle replacement or an ankle arthrodesis and younger than 55 years at the time of surgery were included. This study used a standard preoperative survey (AAOS, SF-36) along with the same survey filled by patients in intervals up to 2 years postoperatively. Their employment status was determined at each time point. Participation in third-party wage assistance programs was recorded. This cohort had 194 patients with an average age of 47.0 ± 7.2 years and was balanced in terms of sex (104 female) and side (94 left). RESULTS: The employment rate prior to surgery was 56%, which increased to 62% at the 2-year postoperative mark. With regards to worker's compensation, disability, and social security, 20% of patients left all subsidized programs whereas 4% entered at least 1 which is significant (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The 2-year follow-up after tibiotalar arthrodesis/arthroplasty in patients younger than 55 years showed that significantly more people were able to leave subsidized work assistance programs than enroll in them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Does Total Ankle Arthroplasty Belong in the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement?

The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model seeks to lower costs and improve quality for primary lower extremity joint replacements. This includes total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), which is performed far less frequently than total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. We used the SPARCS database to identify 537 TAA and 239,053 elective primary THA or TKA procedures from 2009 to 2014, excluding hip fractures. Compared with THA and TKA, TAA had a shorter mean length of stay (2.2 versus 3.2 days), greater mean cost ($20,817 versus $17,613), lower rate of disposition to nursing and rehabilitation facilities (17% versus 52%), and lower rate of 90-day readmission (4.9% versus 5.8%). In multivariable-adjusted regression models of TAA versus THA and TKA, length of stay was 30% shorter (p < .001), costs were 14% greater (p < .001), and risk of disposition to nursing and rehabilitation facilities was 86% lower (p < .001), with no significant difference in 90-day readmission (p = .957). Patients undergoing TAA had different patterns of short-term resource usage compared with patients undergoing THA and TKA, most notably higher short-term costs. The economic viability of TAA is threatened by alternative payment models that reimburse hospitals for TAA at the same rate as THA and TKA.

Factors Contributing to Hospital Stay and Total Inpatient Charges in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Review of the National Inpatient Sample.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is commonly performed for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Given rising costs and declining reimbursements, identifying variables increasing length of stay (LOS) and total inpatient charges (TICs) of TAA is necessary for providing cost-effective care. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was reviewed between 1993 and 2010, identifying LOS and TIC for TAA. Using a multivariate analysis, patient comorbidities, demographics, payment, and hospital details were evaluated. Median LOS decreased from 5 to 2 days, whereas median TICs increased from $21 382.53 to $62 028.00. Regionally, the South and Midwest had decreased TICs, whereas the West had an increased TIC. There was no significant difference in LOS geographically. Rural hospitals demonstrated decreased TICs, whereas urban private hospitals showed decreased LOS and decreased TICs. Large hospitals were associated with increased LOS and TICs. Compared with Medicare, private insurers demonstrated decreased LOS with equivalent TICs. Diabetics significantly increased mean LOS by 1 day, without a significantly increased TIC. Despite a decreased LOS, hospital charges have increased between 1993 and 2010 in TAA. We found that regional differences and hospital characteristics were associated with differences in LOS and TICs. Identification of these factors provides important information to facilities and surgeons. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Economic/decision analysis.

Experience with Navigation in Total Ankle Arthroplasty. Is It Worth the Cost?

Optimal placement of correctly sized total ankle replacement (TAR) implants is elemental to prolonging the working life. The negative mechanical effects of implant malalignment are well characterized. There is one FDA-approved navigated TAR system with limited but encouraging outcomes data. Therefore, its value can be estimated only based on benefits other than a proven clinical outcomes improvement over conventional systems. These include unique preoperative planning through 3-dimensional templating and virtual surgery and the patient-specific cut guides, which also reduce overall instrumentation needed for the case. To better inform this conversation, well-observed longitudinal outcomes studies are warranted.

Assessing the Utilization of Total Ankle Replacement in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAR) has been shown to be a cost-effective procedure relative to conservative management and ankle arthrodesis. Although its use has grown considerably over the last 2 decades, it is less common than arthrodesis. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the cost and utilization of TAR across hospitals. METHODS: Our analytical sample consisted of Medicare claims data from 2011 and 2012 for Inpatient Prospective Payment System hospitals. Outcome variables of interest were the likelihood of a hospital performing TAR, the volume of TAR cases, TAR hospital costs, and hospital profit margins. Data from the 2010 Cost Report and Medicare inpatient claims were utilized to compute average margins for TAR cases and overall hospital margins. TAR cost was calculated based on the all payer cost-to-charge ratio for each hospital in the Cost Report. Nationwide Inpatient Sample data were used to generate descriptive statistics on all TAR patients across payers. RESULTS: Medicare participants accounted for 47.5% of the overall population of TAR patients. Average implant cost was $13 034, accounting for approximately 70% of the total all-payer cost. Approximately, one-third of hospitals were profitable with respect to primary TAR. Profitable hospitals had lower total costs and higher payments leading to a difference in profit of approximately $11 000 from TAR surgeries between profitable and nonprofitable hospitals. No difference was noted with respect to length of stay or number of cases performed between profitable and nonprofitable hospitals. TAR surgeries were more likely to take place in large and major teaching hospitals. Among hospitals performing at least 1 TAR, the margin on TAR cases was positively associated with the total number of TARs performed by a hospital. CONCLUSION: There is an overall significant financial burden associated with performing TAR with many health systems failing to demonstrate profitability despite its increased utilization. While additional factors such as improved patient outcomes may be driving utilization of TAR, financial barriers may exist that can affect utilization of TAR across health systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.