FDA Approves STAR Ankle Replacement System: Another Option for Ankle Arthritis

The Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement System (STAR) has been approved by the FDA. The new ankle prosthesis is the first of its type -- a mobile-bearing device (bearings move across a polyethylene surface). There are several fixed-bearing ankle devices that are already FDA-approved. With fixed-bearing devices, the articulating surface is attached or molded to one of its metallic parts.

The STAR presents another option to ankle fusion surgery and is said to more closely function like a natural ankle. As a condition of approval, the manufacturer will evaluate safety and effectiveness for 8 years.

In the mid-1990s I had ankle fusion surgery -- on both ankles. Back then, there was concern about the high failure rate of ankle replacements -- so fusion was recommended to me. It appears that a decade later, there may be better alternatives that retain motion in the ankle joint -- something that is lost when the joint is fused.

Related Resources:

• Ankle Replacement Designs - What You Need to Know
• What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?
• Arthrodesis Is Surgical Option for Arthritic Joints
• Q & A About Joint Fusion

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_{Photo by Sebastian Kaulitzki (iStockphoto)}