Clin Orthop Surg.  2024 Jun;16(3):455-460. 10.4055/cios23331.

Change of Segmental Motion Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty Using a 3-Dimensional Multi-segment Foot Model

• Park GY
• Kyung MG
• Yoon YS
• Kim DY
• Lee DO
• Lee DY

• KMID: 2555793
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/cios23331

Abstract

Background
Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) enhances patients’ subjective outcomes with respect to pain and function. The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical changes of the affected limb following TAA using gait analysis with a 3-dimensional multi-segment foot model (3D MFM).
Methods
We reviewed medical records, simple radiographs, and gait analyses using a 3D MFM of patients who underwent TAA for severe varus ankle arthritis. Preoperative and postoperative gait data of 24 patients were compared. Postoperative gait analyses were done at least 1 year after surgery.
Results
TAA significantly increased stride length (p = 0.024). The total range of motion of all planes in the hindfoot and forefoot showed no significant changes between preoperative and postoperative states. Hindfoot was significantly plantarflexed and pronated after TAA, while forefoot was significantly supinated in all phases. After appropriate calculations, the genuine coronal motion of the hindfoot showed no changes after TAA in all phases.
Conclusions
TAA did not result in biomechanical improvements of segmental motions in the forefoot and hindfoot, except for changes to the bony structures. Therefore, it is important to point out to patients that TAA will not result in significant improvement of ankle function and range of motion. Clinicians can consider this information during preoperative counseling.

Keyword

Ankle; Osteoarthritis; Total ankle arthroplasty; Gait; Multi segment foot model