Prosthetic Metals: Release, Metabolism and Toxicity.

The development of metallic joint prostheses has been ongoing for more than a century alongside advancements in hip and knee arthroplasty. Among the materials utilized, the Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) and Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium (Ti-Al-V) alloys are predominant in joint prosthesis construction, predominantly due to their commendable biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Nonetheless, over time, the physical wear, electrochemical corrosion, and inflammation induced by these alloys that occur post-implantation can cause the release of various metallic components. The released metals can then flow and metabolize in vivo, subsequently causing potential local or systemic harm. This review first details joint prosthesis development and acknowledges the release of prosthetic metals. Second, we outline the metallic concentration, biodistribution, and elimination pathways of the released prosthetic metals. Lastly, we discuss the possible organ, cellular, critical biomolecules, and significant signaling pathway toxicities and adverse effects that arise from exposure to these metals.

[Base-of-thumb osteoarthritis: aspects to be considered with the indication of trapeziectomy and CMC I prosthesis]. / Die Daumensattelgelenksarthrose ­ Aspekte zur Indikationsstellung von Resektionsarthroplastik und Daumensattelgelenksprothese.

Base-of-thumb osteoarthritis is the most frequent osteoarthritis of the hand requiring surgical treatment, although conservative treatment options should be exhausted before surgery. If the wear process progresses with continuing pain-related loss of thumb function, thus leading to a loss of function of the whole hand, surgical treatment is indicated. In 1947, Gervis published results after trapeziectomy and heralded the development of a multitude of different surgical procedures. The long time needed for rehabilitation is a major problem of trapeziectomy with or without tendon interposition and/or suspension. After the implementation of the first CMC I prosthesis by De la Caffiniere 50 years ago, a rapid development took place, leading to the current modular bipolar implants. Especially in the German-speaking world, there is still some scepticism regarding these prostheses, which is why this review aims to illuminate both surgical procedures with a special focus placed on the aspects of indication.

[Cup Placement in Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Prostheses: The Role of the Guidewire]. / Pfannenplatzierung bei Daumensattelgelenksprothesen: Die Rolle des Führungsdrahts.

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of thumb carpometacarpal joint prostheses for advanced CMC 1 (carpometacarpal) joint arthritis reflects the success of the latest prosthesis generations, which has been achieved through their improved functional outcomes and lower complication rates. Precise alignment of the prosthesis cup parallel to the proximal joint surface of the trapezium is essential for stability and the prevention of dislocation. This is a challenging surgical step, particularly for surgeons new to this technique. Despite adequate positioning of the guidewire, misplacements of the cup may occur, necessitating intraoperative revision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study examined the deviations in cup and guidewire positioning in thumb carpometacarpal joint prosthesis implantations by inexperienced and experienced surgeons through radiological analysis of 65 prostheses. RESULTS: Both inexperienced and experienced surgeons achieved precise guidewire positioning with mean deviations of<2.2°. Inexperienced surgeons showed significantly larger cup deviations in the dorsopalmar and lateral view (7.6±6.1° and 7.3±5.9°) compared with experienced surgeons (3.6±2.7° and 3.6±2.5°; p=0.012, p=0.017). The deviation of the cup position exhibited by inexperienced surgeons tends to be in the direction opposite to the initial guidewire position (p<0.0038). CONCLUSION: The results highlight the current challenges in cup positioning depending on a surgeon's level of experience, questioning the reliability of the current guidewire placement.

[Current Trends in the Implantation of the Touch Prosthesis at the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint: Results of the 1st German-Speaking User Meeting]. / Aktuelle Trends bei der Implantation der Touch-Prothese am Daumensattelgelenk: Ergebnisse des 1. deutschsprachigen Anwendertreffens.

The introduction of the new generation of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC I) joint implants for the treatment of CMC I osteoarthritis has significantly broadened the scope of hand surgery in recent years. However, the technical demands of the procedure and the many details that need to be considered require appropriate training and a learning curve. To share experiences with the Touch CMC I prosthesis, we held the first German-speaking CMC I joint prosthetics user meeting in Zurich. After some basic introductory lectures on biomechanics and the principles of prosthetic fitting of the CMC I joint, the various challenges associated with CMC I joint prosthetics were discussed in interactive expert panels. Subsequently, cases were discussed in small groups under expert guidance and the respective conclusions were discussed in plenary. The main results of this symposium are summarised in this manuscript.

Three-Dimensional Printed Total Talus Replacement with a Concurrent Total Ankle Arthroplasty as a Personalized Approach for Advanced Ankle Osteoarthritis A Case Repor.

Ankle arthritis is becoming more common and can be pain-ful and debilitating. As the disease progresses, degenera-tive cystic changes may be found in the distal fibula, distal tibia, and talus. After failure of non-operative modalities, arthrodesis is often considered the surgical intervention of choice, but this leaves the patient with reduced range of motion, altered gait, and can negatively impact adjacent joints of the foot. Total ankle arthroplasty has been found to be an effective surgical option for ankle arthritis but is contraindicated in patients with talar collapse. When this is the case, a more personalized approach for preserving ankle motion is necessary. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with severe right ankle arthritis and talar collapse treated with a custom three-dimensionally printed talus and concurrent total ankle replacement with 2-year follow-up.

Biofilm on total joint replacement materials can be reduced through electromagnetic induction heating using a portable device.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection is a serious complication following joint replacement. The development of bacterial biofilms bestows antibiotic resistance and restricts treatment via implant retention surgery. Electromagnetic induction heating is a novel technique for antibacterial treatment of metallic surfaces that has demonstrated in-vitro efficacy. Previous studies have always employed stationary, non-portable devices. This study aims to assess the in-vitro efficacy of induction-heating disinfection of metallic surfaces using a new Portable Disinfection System based on Induction Heating. METHODS: Mature biofilms of three bacterial species: S. epidermidis ATCC 35,984, S. aureus ATCC 25,923, E. coli ATCC 25,922, were grown on 18 × 2 mm cylindrical coupons of Titanium-Aluminium-Vanadium (Ti6Al4V) or Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys. Study intervention was induction-heating of the coupon surface up to 70ºC for 210s, performed using the Portable Disinfection System (PDSIH). Temperature was monitored using thermographic imaging. For each bacterial strain and each metallic alloy, experiments and controls were conducted in triplicate. Bacterial load was quantified through scraping and drop plate techniques. Data were evaluated using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for 2 group comparison. Statistical significance was fixed at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: All bacterial strains showed a statistically significant reduction of CFU per surface area in both materials. Bacterial load reduction amounted to 0.507 and 0.602 Log10 CFU/mL for S. aureus on Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo respectively, 5.937 and 3.500 Log10 CFU/mL for E. coli, and 1.222 and 0.372 Log10 CFU/mL for S. epidermidis. CONCLUSIONS: Electromagnetic induction heating using PDSIH is efficacious to reduce mature biofilms of S aureus, E coli and S epidermidis growing on metallic surfaces of Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo alloys.

Assessment of bone ingrowth around beaded coated tibial implant for total ankle replacement using mechanoregulatory algorithm.

The long-term performance of porous coated tibial implants for total ankle replacement (TAR) primarily depends on the extent of bone ingrowth at the bone-implant interface. Although attempts were made for primary fixation for immediate post-operative stability, no investigation was conducted on secondary fixation. The aim of this study is to assess bone ingrowth around the porous beaded coated tibial implant for TAR using a mechanoregulatory algorithm. A realistic macroscale finite element (FE) model of the implanted tibia was developed based on computer tomography (CT) data to assess implant-bone micromotions and coupled with microscale FE models of the implant-bone interface to predict bone ingrowth around tibial implant for TAR. The macroscale FE model was subjected to three near physiological loading conditions to evaluate the site-specific implant-bone micromotion, which were then incorporated into the corresponding microscale model to mimic the near physiological loading conditions. Results of the study demonstrated that the implant experienced tangential micromotion ranged from 0 to 71 µm with a mean of 3.871 µm. Tissue differentiation results revealed that bone ingrowth across the implant ranged from 44 to 96 %, with a mean of around 70 %. The average Young's modulus of the inter-bead tissue layer varied from 1444 to 4180 MPa around the different regions of the implant. The analysis postulates that when peak micromotion touches 30 µm around different regions of the implant, it leads to pronounced fibrous tissues on the implant surface. The highest amount of bone ingrowth was observed in the central regions, and poor bone ingrowth was seen in the anterior parts of the implant, which indicate improper osseointegration around this region. This macro-micro mechanical FE framework can be extended to improve the implant design to enhance the bone ingrowth and in future to develop porous lattice-structured implants to predict and enhance osseointegration around the implant.

3D kinematics of tibiotalar motion in patients with mobile bearing and fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasty: In vivo videofluoroscopic feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: As total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly common surgical intervention for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, there is a need to better understand the dynamic performance of prosthetic implants during activities of daily living. Our purpose was to quantify and compare relative tibiotalar motion during gait in persons with a fixed-bearing (FB) and mobile-bearing (MB) total ankle arthroplasty. We hypothesized a FB prosthesis would have lower tibiotalar range of motion (ROM). METHODS: Patients at least 12 months postoperative with either a FB (n=5) or MB (n=3) total ankle arthroplasty were tested. We used high-speed biplanar videoradiography to quantify tibiotalar kinematics during self-selected gait. Angular and linear ROM in three axes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: ROM for dorsiflexion-plantarflexion, internal-external rotation, and inversion-eversion angles in FB subjects averaged 7.47±4.05°, 7.39±3.63°, and 4.51±2.13°, respectively. ROM in MB subjects averaged 6.74±2.04°, 6.28±4.51°, and 5.68±2.81°, respectively. Linear ROM along anteroposterior, mediolateral, and superior-inferior axes in FB subjects averaged 1.47±2.07 mm, 1.13±1.49 mm, and 0.28±0.30 mm, respectively. Linear ROM in MB subjects averaged 0.68±1.44 mm, 0.60±1.41 mm, and 0.20±0.13 mm, respectively. We found no significant difference between the two groups for any of these ROM parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Total ankle arthroplasty using either FB or MB design appears to confer similar ankle motion during the gait cycle in this biplanar fluoroscopic model. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Long-Term Outcomes of Wrist Arthroplasty Using the ReMotion™ Implant in Non-inflammatory Wrist Pathology.

Background: Wrist arthroplasty is increasingly offered to patients with symptomatic wrist arthritis as an alternative to wrist arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to present our outcomes with the ReMotion™ wrist arthroplasty in a consecutive series of patients with wrist arthritis from non-inflammatory conditions. Methods: Thirteen (eight women, nine dominant wrists) patients, 68 (44-85) years of age with advanced radiocarpal arthritis due to SLAC/SNAC (11) and Kienbock disease (2) had a ReMotion™ (Stryker, Michigan, USA) wrist arthroplasty implanted, and were prospectively followed for 7 (4-9) years. The outcome measures included patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation (PRWHE) score, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) score, visual analogue pain score (0-10) on the radial and ulnar aspect of the wrist at rest (VASrR/VASuR) and activity (VASrA/VASuA), active wrist range of motion (AROM) including flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation, pronation and supination and grip and key-pinch strength measured preoperatively and at yearly follow-ups by independent hand therapists. Results: Six patients had ten re-operations during the follow-up including four revisions to a new arthroplasty. Four were considered loose at follow-up. A significant reduction in PRWHE (63 to 12), radial pain at activity (6 to 1) and increased pronation (85° v 90°) was observed. Conclusions: We found a high complication and reoperation rate, two out of 13 had no complications or reoperations. The ReMotion™ arthroplasty should be used with caution in non-inflammatory wrist patients and the patients followed closely. A high reoperation and revision rate can be expected, and surgeons familiar with revision arthroplasty procedures should perform the surgery. Level of Evidence: Level II (Therapeutic).

Biotribological properties of 3D printed high-oriented short carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites for artificial joints.

Short carbon fiber (SCF) reinforced polymer composites are expected to possess outstanding biotribological and mechanical properties in certain direction, while the non-oriented SCF weakens its reinforcing effect in the matrix. In this work, high-oriented SCF was achieved during nozzle extrusion, and then SCF reinforced polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) composites were fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM). The concrete orientation process of SCF was theoretically simulated, and significant shear stress difference was generated at both ends of SCF. As a result, the SCF was distributed in the matrix in a hierarchical structure, containing surface layer I, II and core layer. Moreover, the SCF was oriented highly along the printing direction and demonstrated a more competitive orientation distribution compared to other studies. The SCF/PEEK composites showed a considerable improvement in wear resistance by 44 % due to self-lubricating and load-bearing capability of SCF. Besides, it demonstrated enhancements in Brinell hardness, compressive and impact strength by 48.52 %, 16.42 % and 53.64 %, respectively. In addition, SCF/PEEK composites also showed good cytocompatibility. The findings gained herein are useful for developing the high-oriented SCF reinforced polymer composites with superior biotribological and mechanical properties for artificial joints.

Computer-simulated TOUCH prosthesis cup malposition and solutions.

INTRODUCTION: Total joint replacement has become significantly more common as a treatment for advanced trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis in recent years. The latest generation of prostheses with dual-mobility designs leads to very good functional results and low rates of loosening and dislocation in the short and medium term. Biomechanical studies showed that central placement and parallel alignment of the cup with respect to the proximal articular surface of the trapezium are crucial for both cup stability and prevention of dislocation. Despite correct positioning of the guidewire, incorrect placement or tilting of the inserted cup may occur, requiring immediate intraoperative revision. METHODS: The existing spherical and conical cup models in sizes 9 mm and 10 mm were transferred to a computer-aided design dataset. Depending on the intraoperative complication (tilting or incorrect placement), the revision options resulting from the various combinations of cup type and size were simulated and analyzed according to the resulting defect area and bony contact area. RESULTS: In well centered cups, a size 9 conical cup could be replaced by a size 9 spherical cup and still be fixed by press-fit. Conversely, a size 9 spherical cup could not be replaced by a size 9 conical cup, but only by a size 10 cup, of whatever shape. When a size 9 conical cup was tilted up to 20°, the best revision option was to resect the sclerotic margin and insert a size 10 conical cup deeper into the cancellous bone, to achieve the largest contact area with the surrounding bone. When a size 9 cup of whatever shape was poorly centered (misplaced with respect to the dorsopalmar or radioulnar line of the trapezium), placement should be corrected using a size 10 cup, combined with autologous bone grafting of the defect. Again, the size 10 conical cup showed the largest bony contact area. CONCLUSION: Our computer-based measurements suggested options for intraoperative cup revision depending on cup shape and size and on type of misalignment with resulting bone defects. These suggestions, however, need to be confirmed in anatomic specimens before introducing them into clinical practice.

Metacarpophalangeal joint reconstruction using a costal osteochondral graft: A case report.

RATIONALE: The conventional treatment of giant cell tumors is intralesional curettage with local adjuvant therapy. Because hand tumors have a high local recurrence, the primary goal for treating tumors of the hand is to eradicate the lesion. PATIENT CONCERNS: To preserve the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint function as well as avoid further recurrence after surgery. DIAGNOSES: The giant cell tumor invades the patient's MCP joint in an index proximal phalanx. INTERVENTIONS: Using computer-aided design and three-dimensional printing techniques, we reformed the original shapes of the MCP joint and its peripheral bone to replica models. The surgeon then performed an en bloc resection and proximal phalanx with MCP joint reconstruction by fabricating the patient's costal osteochondral graft during the operation. OUTCOMES: After 6 months of rehabilitation, the patient's finger functions could pinch and grasp objects naturally. At the 1-year follow-up, the range of motion of the MCP, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints improved from flexion of 35° to 60°, 75° to 85°, and 60° to 80°, respectively. The hand function achieved the mean performance of non-preferred hands for young females at the postoperative 3-year follow-up. LESSONS: The customized prototyping technique has the potential to replica the original patient's bony graft to reach the goal of minimizing the defects at the donor site and maximizing the function of the reconstructed MCP joint.

Mid- and long-term clinical results of the Elektra and Moovis prosthesis for trapeziometacarpal joint replacement.

BACKGROUND: Total joint arthroplasty as a surgical treatment option for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis is recently revived. The aim of this study is to report on mid- and long-term results of the Elektra (single-mobility) and Moovis (dual-mobility) prosthesis for treatment of primary thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis. METHODS: In this retrospective, monocentric, descriptive cohort study, 31 prostheses were evaluated that were implanted by a single surgeon in 26 patients between 2009 and 2019. Indication for surgery was trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (Eaton/Littler Stage II and III). Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at a minimum of 24 months. The postoperative assessment included range of motion, pain, strength as well as functional scores (DASH, MHQ). Implant survival and complications were the primary endpoints. RESULTS: 10 Elektra and 21 Moovis prostheses were implanted between 2009 and 2019 with a mean follow-up of 74.2 months in the Elektra and 41.4 months in the Moovis group. The average patients' age at surgery was 64 years. Postoperative pain levels (VAS 0-10) were below 2 at rest and under stress in both groups. Grip/pinch strength and range of motion showed results comparable to the contralateral hand. Opposition was excellent with an average Kapandji index of 9.6 in both groups. Elektra achieved slightly better functional scores in the DASH and MHQ score. Satisfaction was high in both groups, and 96% of the patients would recommend the procedure. Metacarpophalangeal hyperextension > 15° was seen in 3 patients per group preoperatively and was corrected to < 5° post-surgery. 3 Elektra prostheses were revised due to cup loosening and dislocation for cup and/or neck replacement or secondary trapeziectomy. 1 Moovis prosthesis was revised with an exchange of the neck to a larger size due to restricted movement. After the mean follow-up of 7.9 years in Elektra and 3.5 years in MOOVIS, cumulative survival was 68.6% vs. 95.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this mid- to long-term retrospective analysis, total joint arthroplasty in primary trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis results in low pain levels, excellent mobility and clinical function. Patient satisfaction is overall high. While revision due to cup loosening occurred more often in patients with single-mobility implants, no cases of dislocation or loosening of components were observed in the dual-mobility group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, reference number S-150/2020.

Treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis with a pyrocarbon implant: Long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is the second most common degenerative articular disease. Although initial therapy should be conservative, surgical treatment is often required. Several surgical techniques have been described, but none has proved to be a gold-standard. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological results of trapeziometacarpal interposition arthroplasty with the PyroDisk implant (Integra LifeSciences). METHODS: A retrospective long-term study of all patients who underwent trapeziometacarpal interposition arthroplasty with a pyrocarbon implant at our institution was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients who underwent PyroDisk (Integra LifeSciences). arthroplasty at our institution were identified; 7 were lost to follow-up; 17 patients were evaluated, for 20 arthroplasties. Mean follow-up was 13.5 years (range: 12-15 years). Disability in daily living activities was low (mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 29.6), with a mean pain score of 0.22. Mean Kapandji score at 13.5 years was 8.63. Mean grip strength was 18.5 kg and key-pinch strength 2.84 kg. Two patients had implant dislocation, needing revision surgery for implant removal. Implant survival rate was 88.9% at 13.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that good clinical results can be expected after interposition arthroplasty with PyroDisk (Integra LifeSciences). Regarding radiological findings, peri-implant osteolysis was present in 12 of the patients, but had no influence on the clinical outcome.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement surgery: A multi-national survey of temporomandibular joint surgeons.

Temporomandibular disorders include a wide spectrum of extra-articular and intra-articular conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In salvage cases involving intra-articular end-stage disease, alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a management option which can be utilised to rehabilitate a disabled joint's function and form. Whilst post-TMJR infection is rare, it is one of the most serious complications. The principles governing TMJR surgery antibiotic prophylaxis have been based on those established in orthopaedic surgery literature. Antibiotic resistance due to antibiotic over-use is a significant concern, therefore antibiotic stewardship has been developed to deal with this world-wide public health concern. The TMJ's anatomical proximity to the external auditory canal and oral cavity creates the potential for bacterial contamination. The aim of this study was to explore the views of 39 sub-specialist TMJ surgeons across nine nations usual approach to antibiotic prophylaxis and their management of TMJR infection. To accomplish this, an international survey was developed and conducted using Google Forms. The results demonstrated that 97.4% of the respondents employ prophylactic antibiotics at TMJR surgery, 83.8% on discharge. Variability in antibiotic choice with additional antimicrobial perioperative practices were also reported. Opinions on the management of a TMJR infection also varied. This survey establishes there is an agreement on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, However the variability in choice, timing, course, duration of antibiotic use as well as the management of a postoperative TMJR infection demonstrates the need for further study leading to development of standardised antibiotic prophylaxis and infection management protocols for TMJR surgery.

De Quervain tendinitis after total trapeziometacarpal joint arthroplasty: Biomechanical evaluation of tendon excursion in the first extensor tendon compartment.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is the most common complication after total trapeziometacarpal joint replacement. Etiology is unclear. Implantation of a ball-in-socket implant changes the biomechanics of the normal trapeziometacarpal saddle joint and increases its range of motion. The present study demonstrates that this procedure also significantly increases excursion of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons during thumb flexion-extension, and not during thumb abduction-adduction. Increased tendon gliding under the retinaculum of the first extensor tendon compartment could predispose to the development frictional tenosynovitis and play a role in the development of de Quervain's syndrome after total trapeziometacarpal joint replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable (laboratory study).

Surface wear of PyroCarbon implant in metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty without radiographic abnormality: A case report.

CASE: A 54-year-old male with osteoarthritis of the right long finger metacarpophalangeal joint underwent PyroCarbon joint arthroplasty. Seven years later the patient presented for metacarpophalangeal joint swelling and pain. The workup was benign, without signs of implant complication or osseous abnormality. He underwent washout and two-stage revision, where gross implant wear and debris not demonstrated by radiograph were found. He then returned to the operating room for reimplantation of a PyroCarbon implant. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates a novel presentation of aseptic PyroCarbon implant failure in the hand without radiographic abnormality that can alter operative management by reducing operating room returns.

Implant Choice May Reduce the Risk of Early Mechanical Failure in Total Ankle Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacements (TARs) have rapidly advanced in terms of volume, technique, design, and indications. However, TARs are still at risk for early mechanical failure and revision. Prior studies have investigated potential risk factors for failure, but have been limited to smaller series or older implants. This study sought to identify risk factors for early mechanical failure in modern TAR. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a single-institution registry. Five surgeons contributed cases involving patients who underwent a primary TAR with any implant. Implants were grouped on the basis of the type of fixation. The primary outcome was early mechanical failure (revision with component removal for a non-infectious etiology, that is, subsidence, aseptic loosening, and/or malalignment). Logistic regression determined the effects of age, weight, hindfoot arthrodesis, implant type, and radiographic deformity on failure. RESULTS: The 731 included patients had a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. Ten percent (71 patients) had hindfoot arthrodesis. There were 33 mechanical failures (4.5%) at a mean of 1.7 years after the index surgical procedure. Our model demonstrated that hindfoot arthrodesis was associated with 2.7 times greater odds of failure (p = 0.045), every 10 kg of body weight increased the odds of tibial-sided failure by 1.29 times (p = 0.039), and implants with more extensive tibial fixation (stems or keels) lowered the odds of tibial failure by 95% (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with uncontrollable risk factors (hindfoot arthrodesis) or risk factors that may or may not be modifiable by the patient (weight), implants with more robust tibial fixation may be able to reduce the risk of early mechanical failure. Further research is warranted to support efforts to decrease early failure in TAR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.