[Complications and failures of total ankle prosthesis. Apropos of 21 cases].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors relate a heterogeneous series of twenty one total ankle prosthesis performed by the same surgeon with an average follow up of 37 months.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four types of prosthesis were implanted: 4 Ramses, 8 New Jersey, 5 Star, 4 Freeman. The etiology was seven times a rheumatoid polyarthritis, ten times post-traumatic, two idiopathic arthrosis, an hemochromatosis and a late clubfoot sequelae.

RESULTS: Results were appreciated according to Bousquet's criteria: 4 excellent results, 5 good, 3 fair, 9 bad. The ankle mobility was not improved by arthroplasty. We noticed 7 loosening whose 2 septic occurring between 18 and 38 months after implantation of prosthesis.

DISCUSSION: This series indicates that prosthesis should be only suggested for patients over sixty years old. No difference was found between post-traumatic and rhumatoîd. The pre-operative subtalar arthrosis promoted in significant way an unexpected failure occurrence.

CONCLUSION: Indications for total ankle arthroplasty must remain selected. Arthrodesis remains in the immediate future, the best solution for young patients with post-traumatic arthrosis.