Return to sport/activity after total ankle arthroplasty

The surgical treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is still demanding, with total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle arthrodesis (AA) as operative options. Particularly, the debate intensifies when considering postoperative return to sports and physical activities. This review aims to synthesize current research on these surgical interventions in relation to sports participation, athletic performance, and types of sports that can be tolerated postoperatively. Moreover, the review analyzes different surgical techniques used in TAA and evaluates patient-specific factors that influence the likelihood of returning to sports. The findings have considerable implications for clinicians in patient counseling and setting realistic postoperative expectations, particularly for those patients for whom athletic activity is a significant aspect of lifestyle.