Which is better an ankle fusion or replacement?

TARVA Study: Total Ankle Replacement Versus Arthrodesis

TARVA (Total Ankle Replacement Versus Arthrodesis) is a clinical study comparing total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion surgery (arthrodesis) in patients aged 50-85 with end-stage ankle arthritis.

Background

The main surgical treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis are:

Ankle Arthrodesis (Fusion)
Total Ankle Replacement (TAR)

Each year, approximately 3,000 patients undergo ankle arthrodesis or TAR within the UK National Health Service (NHS). Both treatments are available through the NHS and have shown good results.

Key Considerations

Some studies suggest that TAR restores a more natural walking pattern compared to ankle fusion.
Other studies indicate that TAR may require additional surgeries more frequently than fusion.
Since 2010, all TAR procedures performed in the NHS have been recorded in the National Joint Registry.
There is no national registry for ankle fusion.
A randomized trial directly comparing these two procedures has never been published.

Video Overview

This video provides an overview of treatment options, featuring an introduction from Sylvester McCoy, known for his roles as Doctor Who and Radagast in The Hobbit.

Patients with ankle arthritis often struggle to decide between ankle fusion and total ankle replacement. This video aims to help them make an informed decision.

📌 For more information on the trial:
🔗 Ankle Arthritis Website

📖 Patient Information Booklet:
🔗 BOFAS Patient Guide

📢 Follow us on Twitter:

@Tarva_Trial
@4SylvesterMcCoy
@SylvesterMcCoyy

📚 More Details:
🔗 NIHR Journals Library

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