Sports Activity Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA): This Again?

by Vince Vacketta, DPM

The extent of activity limitations after a TAA is not fully understood. We are aware of activities to avoid, such as high-impact or ballistic exercises. However, there are numerous anecdotal reports of TAA patients who engage in these activities without complications. This raises the question: Where do we draw the line for activity limitations after TAA, and does increased activity contribute to the failure of the procedure?

Promising outcomes in post-TAA activity levels

Research continues to provide us with more positive insights into activity following TAA. In a recent study by Santini et al., involving 105 TAA patients, there was a reported 54.3% increase in sports activity scores at minimum of two years post-surgery. The most common activities among participants were hiking (43%), cycling (15%), fitness exercises (11.7%), and swimming (8%). Patients who were active in sports pre-operatively either maintained or increased their participation, while 73.4% of those who were not previously engaged in sports took up activities after their TAA surgery. Notably, despite the increase in activity levels, all implants remain intact, with 100% survivorship among the subjects. 

Takeaway

Patients can be more active following TAA though what activities this includes remains somewhat unclear. While current research is positive, further studies are necessary. Developing a consensus statement would greatly benefit both patients and surgeons.