Prospective Randomized Evaluation of a Two and Three Piece Total Ankle Replacement

Pain Following a Total Ankle Replacement as Measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain

To assess changes in pain across time following total ankle replacement. The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a mark on a 100mm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" and "worst pain." A score of 0 represents less pain intensity while a score of 100 represents high pain intensity

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years

Functional Health Following a Total Ankle Replacement Using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

The SF-36 comprises 36 questions which cover eight domains of health: Limitations in physical activities because of health problems, Limitations in social activities because of physical or emotional problems, Limitations in usual role activities because of physical health problems, Bodily pain, General mental health (psychological distress and well-being), Limitations in usual role activities because of emotional problems, Vitality (energy and fatigue), and General health perceptions. Scores for the different domains are converted and pooled using a scoring key, for a total score indicating a range of low to high Quality of Life (QOL). Each scale is directly transformed into a 0-100 scale on the assumption that each question carries equal weight. The lower the score the more disability. The higher the score the less disability i.e., a score of zero is equivalent to maximum disability

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years

Physical Limitations Following a Total Ankle Replacement as Measured by the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) Questionnaire.

The SMFA consists of two sections: 34 questions covering the assessment of the patient's function and 12 questions covering how bothered patients are by their symptoms. Items are scored in six categories: daily activities, emotional status, arm and hand function, mobility category, and bother index. On a scale of 1 to 5, patients rate their ability on each item and higher total scores represent greater degree of dysfunction or bother. SMFA higher total score represent greater degree of dysfunction or bother. The lowest score is 0 representing the best possible function and the highest score is 100 representing an overall higher degree of dysfunction or bother.