Interposition ankle arthroplasty using Achilles tendon allograft ("the AAA procedure"): a case report.

Abstract

Surgical treatment options for end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle joint typically consist of debridement, distraction arthroplasty, osteochondral allograft transfer system, arthrodesis, or total ankle arthroplasty. Interposition arthroplasty is an additional surgical treatment that may delay or eliminate the need for ankle arthrodesis. We report the use of a free Achilles tendon allograft as interposition arthroplasty for treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis, the Achilles Ankle Arthroplasty or "AAA" procedure. The clinical presentation and course of treatment are described, as well as the surgical technique. This case showed that interposition arthroplasty with tendon allograft is an effective treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis.