The Alphanorm TAR was developed by Professor Tilmann in Germany and has been used since 1996. The Alphanorm prosthesis is a non-constrained Buechel-Pappas type design with a 90° tibial stem without inclination. The prosthesis is made out of cobalt chrome alloy with a titanium coating. The medial and lateral talar surfaces are not replaced during component implantation, thus preventing inversion and eversion. Before developing the Alphanorm TAR for use, the designer had experience with the TRP prosthesis, New Jersey prosthesis, and STAR prosthesis between 1976 and 1998.3,4
To date, there are no published studies available from Professor Tilmann or others addressing clinical outcomes or surgical technique of the Alphanorm TAR.
References
- Tillmann,K.: Endoprostheses of the ankle joint. Indications, development, current status and trends. Orthopade, 32:179-186, 2003.
- Gougoulias,N.E., Khanna,A., and Maffulli,N.: History and evolution in total ankle arthroplasty. Br Med Bull, 89:111-151, 2009.
- Tillmann,K., Schaar,M., Schaar,B., and Fink,B.: Ergebnisse von OSG-Endoprothesen bei rheumatoider Arthritis: Eine klinische und pedobarographische Untersuchung. Fuss Sprungg, 1:56-65, 2003.
- Feldman MH, Rockwood J (2004) Total ankle arthroplasty: a review of 11 current ankle implants. Clin Podiatr Med Surg, 21, 393–406.