Foreword

Ankle arthritis is a frequent debilitating condition and most commonly affects the younger patient as a result of trauma. Traumatic injuries may be the leading cause of degenerative changes within the ankle joint but other contributing factors such as an inflammatory, infectious, or neuropathic arthropathy can also lead to persistent pain and deterioration of the ankle joint. Primary “idiopathic” osteoarthritis is less commonly encountered as compared to the hip or knee but is becoming more prevalent among our growing elderly population.

This issue is dedicated to the advancement of conservative and surgical treatments of ankle arthritis. Current surgical treatment options for the end stage ankle arthritis remain between an ankle arthrodesis and an endoprosthesis procedure. This issue elaborates on some of the technical considerations in performing an ankle arthrodesis or total ankle joint replacement, along with appropriate patient selection for each procedure. During the last decade, it has been very exciting to witness the major advances in total ankle arthroplasty along with the various implant designs that have become available in the United States. In addition, this issue will also cover some of the current concepts and techniques that are offering some promising results in delaying the need for a joint arthrodesis and/or replacement.

These novel techniques are described as an alternative to a joint destructive procedure and have been paramount to the treating surgeon's armamentarium. Examples of these procedures which have been reported in the recent literature include but are not limited to the ankle distraction arthroplasty, lower extremity osteotomies to address the ankle pathomechanics and talar resurfacing with new advances in cartilage repair. Attention is given not only to the advantages but also to some of the pitfalls of these newer procedures.

The constant advancement in technology, research and surgeon training has provided us with many different options to address the painful and debilitating symptoms associated with the end stage ankle arthritis. The Guest Editors in this issue, Dr. Catanzariti and Dr. Mendicino, have done an outstanding job in addressing some of the most common etiologies and pathomechanics that lead to an ankle arthritis, along with the various treatment options and successful outcomes. Their knowledge and expertise on this subject is well known through their numerous publications and contributions to our profession. Lastly, a great thank you to all of the contributors and editorial board members for their continuous efforts and commitment to the Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.