The total ankle replacement for severe arthropathy in haemophilia

The endoprosthetic surgery of the upper ankle joint in profound arthrosis has significantly increased over the last years. Along with the established arthodesis the alloarthroplastic became a good alternative. The main indication for the implantation of an ankle joint endoprosthesis is a secondary arthrosis in patients with rheumatic diseases or post-traumatic status. In accordance with our experience case reports on the total ankle arthroplasty in haemophilic arthropathy show that the artificial substitute of the upper ankle joint can be a successful treatment of these patients under certain conditions. The outstanding benefit is to be seen in the preservation of a sufficient mobility for everyday movements and a more physiological process of walking. In case of endoprosthetic failure a relatively save opportunity for revision in the mostly younger patients can be found in the new osteosynthesis techniques. Also in haemophilic arthropathy with painful advanced arthrosis and functional limitation of the upper ankle joint the endoprosthetic care can be taken into consideration.