The Tipping Point in TAA Has Arrived

by Vince Vacketta, DPM

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) utilization continues to grow. Looking back and projecting forward helps us better understand where this dynamic market is heading.

The data

• Primary TAA has seen significant growth over the years. From 2005 to 2017, there was a 564.4% increase in annual TAA procedures, rising from 800 to 5,315. Looking ahead, the projected increase from 2017 to 2030 is expected to be 796.2% in annual TAA procedural volume.

• Revision TAA has also experienced significant growth over the years. For aseptic revisions, there was a 564.4% increase in annual procedural volume from 2005 to 2017, with the number of procedures rising from 459 to 1,170. Similarly, septic revisions saw a 564.4% increase during the same period with procedures increasing from 198 to 705. Looking ahead, the projected growth from 2017 to 2030 for aseptic revisions is 141.9%, while septic revisions are expected to grow by 120% in annual procedural volume.

Tipping point in TAA

Primary TAA volume has shown substantial growth over the 12-year period studied. Projections using linear and Poisson regression models indicate that this upward trend isn’t slowing down. A tipping point is described as "a point in time when a group rapidly and dramatically changes its behavior by widely adopting a previously rare practice.” This concept helps explain the market behavior of TAA. The tipping point for TAA is being driven by access for younger patients, the ongoing replacement of ankle fusion as the standard and better technology and techniques to provide durability.

Takeaway

Patients and surgeons like the motion option provided by TAA. TAA is currently at a tipping point whereby more are being done and expected in the future. This growth is being supported by viable revision options. Expect both TAA and Revision TAA to grow rapidly now that we are at a tipping point.