Infinity Ankle Arthroplasty Early Latin-America Experience and Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: The promising data from Ankle Arthroplasty are consequence of the evolution of instruments and implants. Recent studies have shown good results in the short and intermediate follow-up, in addition to high patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to present the results obtained with 49 cases treated with the Infinity total ankle prosthesis in 2 South America countries.

Methods: This is a case series of 48 patients (27 women and 22 men), treated with 49 Infinity prostheses in Brazil and Colombia. They underwent surgical treatment between April 1, 2016, and January 18, 2020. We used the visual-analogue pain scale (VAS), the AOFAS score for ankle and hindfoot and the measurement of range of motion (ROM) in the pre- and post-surgical period. The radiological evaluation was performed on ankle radiographs in anteroposterior and lateral views, obtained in orthostasis, measuring the parameters suggested by Hintermann. Average follow-up was 4 years.

Results: VAS reduced from an average of 7.94 to 1.98; AOFAS increased from 28.02 to 83.16 and ROM increased from 11.45 to 28.08. Distal Tibial Slope is higher for higher improvements in VAS and lower for higher improvements in AOFAS and ROM. We observed 4 wound infections, 1 intra-op medial malleolus fracture. No bone cysts, tibial or talar components subsidence, polyethylene component wear or failure were observed. No salvation procedures were required in this series.

Discussion: This study results corroborates literature data showing great improvements in pain, functional pattern, and movement.

Conclusion: Infinity Ankle Arthroplasty is a safe and reproducible procedure with good outcomes at a short-term follow-up.

Level of evidences: 4 - Case series.

Keywords: ankle; ankle arthroplasty; joint pain; joint replacement; tibio-talar joint.