title: Surgical tip: Titanium foam blocks can simplify fusion of failed total ankle replacements.
abstract: Ankle arthrodesis following failed ankle replacements is a technically challenging task because of the large defect left behind after the prosthesis is removed. The usual practice is to use bulk grafts which are either autografts or allografts to fill the defect. We report our experience with the use of a titanium foam block specifically designed for fusion of failed ankle replacements. This particular method was chosen to avoid the technical difficulties and morbidities associated with the use of bulk autografts and allografts. We describe the surgical technique and early results in the first two cases performed in our unit. The satisfactory clinical and radiologic results in the two cases demonstrate the ability of the titanium foam block to simplify an otherwise complex procedure without compromising the outcome.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of South Manchester, UHSM, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom. Electronic address: p.nunag@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Perrico
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nunag
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of South Manchester, UHSM, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Shen Hwa
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Vun
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of South Manchester, UHSM, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Atiya
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of South Manchester, UHSM, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Anand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pillai
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of South Manchester, UHSM, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Nasser
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kurdy
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D058737:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Ankle / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D014025:Titanium
keywords: Ankle fusion; Cancellous titanium; Failed ankle replacements; Metal foam blocks; Trabecular metal