Porous Tantalum as a Structural Graft in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background: Structural bone grafts are often used in foot and ankle surgery to fill gaps, maintain height, length or correction. Bone graft, whether autograft or allograft, has limitations and disadvantages. With porosity and mechanical properties similar to native bone, porous tantalum has been used successfully in hip and knee applications. This study investigates the potential advantages of porous tantalum as a substitute for conventional bone graft in foot and ankle surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of 27 arthrodesis procedures was performed of foot and ankle procedures using Trabecular Metal™ porous tantalum over a period of 5 years. Twenty-five patients were involved. Mean age at the time of surgery was 63 (range, 41 to 80) years. All the patients had pathologies in the foot and ankle that required arthrodesis with structural graft. Average followup was 27 (range, 12 to 72) months. Results: At final followup the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot / Midfoot...