Survival and complications of transfibular trabecular metal total ankle replacement - A systematic review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, the transfibular approach to Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) has emerged as an alternative to anterior approach with reduced bone resection. The purpose of this systematic review is to report survival, complications, and reoperation rates of transfibular TAR. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of studies that evaluated complications, reoperations, and survival of transfibular TAR following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. RESULTS: Our review included data from 12 cohorts, comprising 919 patients across 7 countries, with an average age of 62 years (59% posttraumatic). Over an average follow-up period of 3 years, adverse events occurred in 23% of cases, with 18% requiring surgical reintervention, mostly due to hardware removal. The survival rate of the transfibular TAR metal components was 97% at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Transfibular TAR demonstrates a 97% survival rate at a 3-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.