The early multicentre results of the rebalance total ankle replacement

N. Harris, A. Hendricson, U. Rydholm, K. Knutson, S. Popelka, Rebalance Ankle Evaluator Group

Introduction: We present the early results of 220 Rebalance Total Ankle Replacements performed in 6 centres in 4 different countries.

Methods: The Rebalance Total Ankle Replacement is a new 3 component uncemented mobile bearing prosthesis with a surface coating of ´bonemaster´ and an ´e´ poly bearing. The prosthesis was released in a limited way in May 2011. Since then 220 replacements have been implanted in 218 patients in 6 centres in 4 different countries(UK,Sweden,Canada,Czech Republic). All the x-rays and case notes were reviewed.63 prostheses have a minimum follow up of 2 years. Outcome measures included revision of the prosthesis, and the incidence of progressive and non-progesssive radiolucent lines around the prosthesis.

Results: 7 patients underwent revision or are awaiting revision of their prosthesis. Reasons for revision included loosening(2), infection(1), malposition(2), periprosthetic fracture(1), impingement(1). 9 patients had non-progressive radiolucent lines and 2 patients had progressive radiolucent lines. 1 patient with progressive radiolucent lines is waiting revision for suspected infection. 8 patients suffered fractures to the lateral malleolus and 4 to the medial malleolus. There were no cases of balloon osteolysis. 29 patients had pre-op AOFAS scores= 41(12-67). 21 had 1 year post-op AOFAS scores= 73.5(26-100). 12 had 2 year AOFAS scores= 75.5(50-100).

Conclusion: The early results are encouraging and we believe support its wider use.