Risk factors associated with failure of total ankle arthroplasty: a nationwide cohort study

We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study to identify the risk factors associated with failure of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). We included 2,914 subjects who underwent primary TAA between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, utilizing the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Failure of TAA was defined as revision TAA or arthrodesis procedures. An increased risk of TAA failure was observed in the < 65 age group versus the ≥ 75 age group [adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) 2.273, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.223–4.226 in the 60–64 age group; aHR 2.697, 95% CI 1.405–5.178 in the 55–59 age group; aHR 2.281, 95% CI 1.145–4.543 in the 50–54 age group; aHR 2.851, 95% CI 1.311–6.203 in the < 50 age group]. Conversely, the ≥ 65 age group displayed no increase in the risk of TAA failure. The risk of TAA failure was increased in the severely obese group with body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m² versus the normal BMI group (aHR 1.632; 95% CI 1.036–2.570). This population-based longitudinal study demonstrated that age < 65 years and BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m² were associated with increased risk of TAA failure.