Patient-specific instrumentation in total ankle arthroplasty

The recent increase in the adoption of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) reflects the improvements in implant designs and surgical techniques, including the use of preoperative navigation system and patient-specific instrumentation (PSI), such as custom-made cutting guides. Cutting guides are customized with respect to each patient's anatomy based on preoperative ankle computed tomography scans, and they drive the saw intra-operatively to improve the accuracy of bone resection and implant positioning. Despite some promising results, the main queries in the literature are whether PSI improves the reliability of achieving neutral ankle alignment and more accurate implant sizing, whether it is actually superior over standard techniques, and whether it is cost effective. Moreover, the advantages of PSI in clinical outcomes are still theoretical because the current literature does not allow to confirm its superiority. The purpose of this review article is therefore to assess the current literature on PSI in TAA with regard to current implants with PSI, templating and preoperative planning strategies, alignment and sizing, clinical outcomes, cost analysis, and comparison with standard techniques.

Computed Navigation Guidance for Ankle Replacement in the Setting of Ankle Deformity

Total ankle replacement (TAR) has evolved over the past decade as a treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis with improved survivorship. Despite the improving outcomes, ankle deformity represents a challenge to the foot and ankle surgeon with increased risk of implant failure. The use of preoperative computer-assisted guidance has led to better understanding the 3-dimensional ankle anatomy and associated deformities and allows for reproducible, anatomic placement of the TAR components.