Systemic medical complications following total ankle arthroplasty: A review of the evidence.

Abstract Background Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly undertaken for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. For each TAA procedure informed consent is required. The consent process should include discussion of the relevant complications, both systemic and regional. There is a lack of data regarding the systemic complications of TAA. This might cause problems in obtaining valid informed consent. Methods We reviewed and summarised the literature regarding the systemic complications and mortality rate of TAA. Results The average rate of systemic medical complications after TAA was 3% (range: 0% - 7%). The average mortality rate following TAA was 0.3% (range: 0% - 0.72%). The following were risk factors for systemic medical complications: obesity, diabetes, systemic co-morbidities, preoperative blood transfusion, revision procedures, and long anaesthetic duration. Conclusions When obtaining informed consent for TAA a systemic complication rate of 3% and a mortality rate of 0.3% ought to be included and documented.