Constrained vs Unconstrained Implants

Constrained implants are the one that do not provide 100% free movements to the ankle joints while unconstrained implants gave the opposite.  Each of these types of implants will have their own advantage and disadvantage.

Constrained implants will allow only the normal movements of the ankle joint.  But in case of emergency or in critical condition such as the patient fell or stumbled, the ankle joint movements will be a lot more compared to the normal movements.  This will cause the constrained implant to received unexpected stress at the constrained area which tends to make it become dislocated.  It will cause complication to the patients.

Unconstrained implant on the other hands will allow free movements of the ankle under the control of ligaments.  This condition is good for the critical condition situations where dislocated of the implant will less likely to be happen.  Disadvantage to this type of implant will be the over-stressed of ligaments which cause higher risks of ligaments to be injured.

Both of these implants have their own features which will contribute in one area but causing problem at another area.  More research should be conducted in order to find ways to improve these conditions of implants.

I will try to discuss about how to overcome these problems later. And also I will search for more literature reviews about this matter.


Regards,


Timben