Early radiographic and clinical results of Salto total ankle arthroplasty as a fixed-bearing device.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacement has increased in popularity in the management of severe tibiotalar arthritis. Most previous clinical reports focused on mobile-bearing designs. This study evaluates early radiographic and clinical results of the Salto fixed bearing design.

METHODS: Twenty-three Salto fixed-bearing implants were prospectively studied. Records were reviewed for clinical outcome scores (VAS, AOFAS, SF36), subsequent surgeries, complications, radiographic data and implant survivorship. Average follow-up was 36 months.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in VAS, AOFAS ankle/hindfoot scores, and SF36 scores were shown at an average of 3 years postoperatively. At 3 years followup, survivorship of the implant was 82.6% with any reoperation as the endpoint and 95.6% for revision or removal of components. Seven patients had radiolucencies around the implant, one of which required revision to arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION: The fixed-bearing Salto ankle replacement has comparable early radiographic and clinical results to reports of the mobile-bearing Salto of comparable followup.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.