ReviewJournal of experimental orthopaedics2026
Different complication patterns between anterior and lateral approaches in total ankle arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Review in Journal of experimental orthopaedics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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8 authors.
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Abstract
Purpose: The optimal surgical approach for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) remains debated. The anterior and lateral transfibular approaches differ in surgical exposure and may influence complication patterns. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare revision rates, overall complication rates and specific complication profiles between anterior and lateral approaches in TAA. Methods: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review of PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases was performed. Studies reporting complications following primary TAA performed through either approach were included if they met predefined methodological quality criteria (QualSyst score ≥ 75%). Complication rates were compared using Fisher's exact test, and correlations between complication rates and patient or surgical factors were explored. Results: Fifty-one studies were included, comprising 7959 TAA procedures (7225 anterior and 734 lateral). Revision rates were higher in the anterior approach group (7.5% vs. 1.9%, Conclusion: Anterior and lateral approaches in TAA appear to be associated with different complication patterns rather than clear differences in overall safety. Both approaches remain valid surgical options, but awareness of their distinct complication profiles may help guide intraoperative precautions and post-operative surveillance. However, heterogeneity in implant design, follow-up duration and study methodology limits definitive conclusions regarding the superiority of one approach. Level of Evidence: Level I, systematic review/meta-analysis.
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