Introduction to the Study
A groundbreaking clinical study led by Dr. Lew C. Schon, Director of Orthopedic Innovation at The Institute of Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center, has captured the attention of the orthopedic and biomedical communities. The study focuses on the outcomes of total ankle replacement surgery using a unique lateral approach, demonstrating exceptional long-term results.
Details of the Clinical Study
Dr. Schon, an esteemed orthopedic surgeon and co-inventor of the Zimmer Biomet Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Replacement, has published new findings in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. The study presents data from a minimum five-year follow-up of 130 patients, showcasing the implant’s durability, functionality, and long-term success.
Key Findings
The study, titled “Outcomes of Transfibular Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of 130 Cases with Minimum 5-Year Follow-up,” reveals that none of the patients required revision or removal of the implant components over a period of 5 to 12 years. This is a significant achievement, especially when compared to the higher failure rates of traditional total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) procedures.
Innovative Surgical Technique
Unlike the conventional anterior approaches used in most ankle replacements, the Zimmer Biomet implant is inserted using a transfibular (lateral) surgical technique. This method, combined with the implant’s innovative bone-sparing curved shape and unique materials—highly cross-linked polyethylene and tantalum trabecular metal—has resulted in enhanced implant stability and longevity.
Expert Insights
Dr. Schon explains, “This is a lateral approach. We cut the outer bone, which is often deformed, and position it to achieve proper alignment before milling away the arthritic surfaces. It’s a direct, safer, and more anatomic way to restore the joint.” He further elaborates that by resurfacing the joint, more high-density bone surface area is preserved to support the implant. Tantalum, a special metal with bone-like porosity, encourages bone growth into the implant, enhancing its stability.
Performance Across Age Groups
The study highlights that the Zimmer Biomet total ankle replacement performs consistently well across different age groups, including patients under 55—a demographic typically associated with higher failure rates in other ankle replacement systems.
Post-Surgery Recommendations
While patients can resume many daily activities post-surgery, Dr. Schon advises against engaging in high-impact activities such as running or jumping to prolong the implant’s lifespan.
Conclusion
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the Zimmer Biomet lateral approach ankle replacement system as a durable and effective solution for end-stage ankle arthritis. The system shows limited periprosthetic radiolucency and no signs of implant subsidence or loosening at mid-term follow-up.
Further Information
For more detailed insights, refer to the study by Jonathan Day et al., “Outcomes of Transfibular Total Ankle Arthroplasty,” published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (2025). DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00983.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-total-ankle-unique-lateral-approach.html