The AES total ankle replacement: A mid-term analysis of 93 cases

BackgroundThere are few studies concerning specific total ankle arthroplasties. This study reports mid-term survival data for the AES prosthesis.MethodsNinety-three AES ankle arthroplasties were performed by the senior authors. The mean follow-up was 3.5 years. The 5-year survivorship and also the number of simultaneous procedures, reoperations, additional procedures and revisions are analyzed.ResultsThe 5-year survivorship with revision for any reason as end-point was 90%. Simultaneous procedures were performed in 25 patients, deltoid release and subtalar fusion being the most common. There were seven revisions, one due to loosening, and two due to infection, instability and fractures, respectively. Twenty-seven reoperations or additional procedures were performed in 23 patients with a procedure for malleolar impingement being the most common reoperation, and correction of hindfoot varus being the most common reason for an additional procedure.ConclusionsThe AES total ankle replacement seems to be a reasonably safe procedure in experienced hands.