ROSEMONT, IL -- 10/30/09 --
Total ankle arthroplasty (ankle replacement)
significantly improves quality of life making a return to light
recreational activity and non-impact sports possible, according to a recent
study published in the October issue of Foot & Ankle International (FAI),
the official scientific journal of The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle
Society (AOFAS).
"The return to sporting activities after total ankle arthroplasty has
rarely been evaluated. The goal of this study was to evaluate ankle
function and sports participation among patients with total ankle
prosthesis," states Mark Casillas, MD, an AOFAS member and co-author of the
study.
The study reflects the outcomes of 140 patients who were operated on
between 1997 and 2005. All received a single type implant and the
procedures were all performed by Dr. Michel P. Bonnin in France. The
post-operative study measured three aspects of ankle function: 1) overall
perception of the ankle (normal, nearly normal, abnormal), 2) ankle
performance during activities of daily life, and 3) ankle performance
during sports and recreational activity.
Four and a half years following surgical implant, more than 75% of the
patients participating in the study considered their ankles normal or
nearly normal with less than 25% considering their ankle abnormal or highly
abnormal. Forty-nine percent of the patients presented no discomfort in
their daily activity but experienced discomfort in sports and recreation,
31.4% indicated no limitation related to their ankle in any situation and
17% were limited in their daily activities related to their ankle.
Although most often study patients who participated in sports indicated
discomfort or slight pain in their ankle, the percentage of patients who
indicated that taking part in the following sporting activities was totally
painless include:
-- 86% for swimming
-- 84% for outdoor cycling
-- 62% for gymnastics
-- 53% for downhill skiing
-- 37% for hiking and cross-country skiing
-- 34% for gardening
-- 29% for dancing
New generation prostheses have resulted in renewed interest in total ankle
arthroplasty. Total ankle arthroplasty has its advantages, disadvantages
and the procedure is not without risk. The co-authors note that the
decision to choose between arthrodesis (ankle fusion) and total ankle
arthroplasty is often difficult to make. Among the many decision making
factors between the two options, two are particularly important, the
prosthesis lifespan and the functional results after implantation.
The authors further note that having reasonable expectations of the
functional outcomes following total ankle arthroplasty is critical to the
success of the procedure. While the study shows improvement in ankle
function, the authors note that impact sports or strenuous activities are
rarely possible after total ankle arthroplasty. Dr. Casillas advises,
"Although participation in sporting activity produced no adverse effects in
this study, it is likely that impact sports may increase the risk of
arthroplasty failure."
About The AOFAS
The AOFAS promotes quality, ethical and cost-effective patient care through
education, research and training of orthopaedic surgeons and other health
care providers. It creates public awareness for the prevention and
treatment of foot and ankle disorders, provides leadership, and serves as a
resource for government, industry and the national and international health
care community.
About Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who
specialize in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of patients with disorders
of the musculoskeletal system of the foot and ankle. This includes the
bones, joints, ligaments, muscles tendons, nerves, and skin. Orthopaedic
foot and ankle surgeons use medical, physical, and rehabilitative methods
as well as surgery to treat patients of all ages. They perform
reconstructive procedures, treat sports injuries, and manage and treat
trauma of the foot and ankle.
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons work with physicians of many other
specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, vascular surgery,
endocrinology, radiology, anesthesiology, and others. Medical school
curriculum and post-graduate training provides the solid clinical
background necessary to recognize medical problems, admit patients to a
hospital when necessary, and contribute significantly to the coordination
of care appropriate for each patient.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/aofas91030/index.html
Contact:
Peggy Reilly
847-384-4379
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