A survival analysis of 52 Bath & Wessex ankle replacements A clinical and radiographic study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and a critical review of the literature

Abstract In a series of 52 Bath & Wessex ankle replacements, performed because of rheumatoid arthritis, the probability of the tibial component being without radiographic signs of loosening after 5 years was 65% whereas the corresponding probability for the talar component was only 33%. However, 15 of 25 ankles with a loose talar component and 42 of all 52 ankles were reported improved compared with the preoperative condition at the last visit and there was an 81% probability of not having undergone exchange operation or arthrodesis after 5 years. With proper patient selection we consider ankle replacement a valid solution for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Improved anchorage of the talar component must be the goal of future improvements.