Diagnosing and Managing Infection in Total Ankle Replacement.

Walther, Markus; Krenn, Veit; Pfahl, Kathrin · Foot Ankle Clin · 2024

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Infections after total ankle replacement (TAR) within the first 4 weeks after implantation can be managed successfully with 1 or several debridements, irrigation, and a change of polyethylene inlay. Late infections require implant removal. Low-grade infections might be an underestimated problem so far. Although single-surgery revisions are reported in the literature, the authors' experience with 2-stage revisions using an antibiotics-loaded bone cement spacer is better. Additional antibiotics are used to support the surgical treatment. After antibiotic therapy of 12 weeks, the final treatment includes ankle or tibio-talo-calcaneal fusion and, with limitations, revision TAR.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy