What Are the Important Risk Factors That Predispose a Patient to Infection After Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA)?

Recommendation: There is evidence indicating that the following risk factors may predispose a patient to an infection after a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA): inflammatory arthritis, prior ankle surgery, body mass index (BMI) <19, and peripheral vascular disease. Meanwhile, there is conflicting evidence (which may be due to patient selection bias) indicating that the following risk factors may predispose a patient to infection after a TAA: obesity (BMI >30), tobacco use, diabetes, duration of surgery, age <65 years, hypothyroidism, low preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and chronic lung disease. Level of Evidence: Limited. Delegate Vote: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus).