ABSTRACT

Functional limitations in patients with ankle arthritis are often substantial. This chapter covers the pathophysiology of ankle arthritis and the spectrum of its management. Yet the incidence of age-related symptomatic ankle arthritis is approximately nine times lower than that of the hip and knee. The exact prevalence of ankle arthritis is difficult to define, but various National Joint Registries will reflect hip/knee replacements being performed 30 times more than that for the treatment of ankle arthritis. If symptoms of ankle arthritis are refractory to non-operative treatment, surgical options can be considered, in a holistic manner. Ankle arthroscopy has some specific indications in the early stages of ankle arthritis. When considering all treatments, this is the gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis. Surgeons are increasingly favouring TAA for end-stage ankle arthritis, a fact that corresponds with advancements in implant design and instrumentation.