Impact of Articulation Geometry on Contact Mechanics in Total Ankle Replacement Design

Total ankle replacement designs have evolved since their introduction in the mid 1970s. While the first-generation total ankle replacement (TAR) designs had unacceptably high failure rates, recent designs have demonstrated improved outcomes [1]. Two philosophies are commonly used in TAR design: mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing. Unlike mobile-bearing designs which have two articulating surfaces, fixed-bearing designs have only one articulating surface. While fixed-bearing designs have lower risk of dislocation than mobile-bearing designs, the single articulation feature can produce higher contact stress on the articulating surface, increasing the potential for polyethylene wear [1, 2].