Complications and results of the arthrodesis after total ankle arthroplasty failure: a retrospective monocentric study of 12 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has the objective to maintain the range of motion of the tibiotarsal joint and to preserve the nearby joints. However, the complication rate and failures remain quite high after TAA. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the improvement in the functional scores of the tibiotarsal arthrodesis after TAA failure. The secondary objective was to assess the specific complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This monocentric retrospective series includes 12 patients (nine men, three women, average age 52.5 years) operated between 2003 and 2018. An iliac graft was used in all cases. The arthrodesis was stabilized either by screws or by retrograde nailing. RESULTS: The reoperation was due to painful malleolar conflicts or loosening. The AOFAS score increased from 38/100 to 67/100 (51-86) post-operatively. The fusion was acquired at 3.7 months (3-6) except in two cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The 83% primary fusion rate is in the low average of the literature and 92% fusion rate in the high average after reoperation. All patients were improved even in two non-unions. The results of this study confirm that the arthrodesis after TAA failure is a reliable alternative to the TAA replacement. However, they are lower than those after a first-line arthrodesis.