NCT03965143 · Kyle Schweser MD
Talus Replacement Registry
(3DTalar)
What this study is about
Avascular necrosis of the talus is a difficult problem to manage, especially in the young and healthy. The only option, historically, has been a talectomy and hindfoot fusion. While this is a viable option, it is not without its morbidity. Arthritis of surrounding joints is common, occurring anywhere from 1-10 years after the procedure.
View original scientific description
Avascular necrosis of the talus is a difficult problem to manage, especially in the young and healthy. The only option, historically, has been a talectomy and hindfoot fusion. While this is a viable option, it is not without its morbidity. Arthritis of surrounding joints is common, occurring anywhere from 1-10 years after the procedure. This is especially true in younger patients, where loss of motion can be life altering both physically and mentally. The search for alternatives has been limited. Recently, 3D printing has become more ubiquitous and affordable and newer medical alternatives have arisen thanks to this technology. The 3D custom talus is relatively new in the orthopaedic community, but has been used at several centers with good success. It has been shown to re-establish the normal alignment of the foot, preserve motion (with some achieving almost physiologic motion), and allow for almost normal ambulation. However, the data is still limited and further study is necessary. Our facility was recently approved to perform this procedure. Our hypothesis is that custom 3D printed talar body replacements, either used alone or with total ankle replacements, will maintain physiologic motion, have no difference in complications when compared to hindfoot fusions with allograft, lead to good outcome scores and patient satisfaction scores. Patients diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the talus who have already decided to undergo a procedure involving a 3D custom talus as part of their standard care (talar replacement, total ankle/total talus, etc) will be enrolled in the study. Patients will follow standard post-operative protocols and return to clinic at designated time periods (2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year). X-ray evaluation, Range of motion, return to ambulation, walking speed and patient reported outcomes will be evaluated at each visit.
Interventions
DEVICE
3D talar augmentation
Patients with an avascular necrosis of the body if the talar bone will undergo a 3D custom talar augmentation with or without concomitant ankle arthroplasty
Primary outcome measures
Change Range of motion
Time frame: 12 months
Measures with a Goniometer and expressed in degrees
Change in VAS pain Score
Time frame: 12 months
The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a handwritten mark on a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" and "worst pain."
Change in AAOS foot an ankle score
Time frame: 12 months
The AAOS foot and ankle questionnaire is a patient-administrated 25-item survey specifically developed for foot and ankle-related disability. The questionnaire is divided into two scales, the Foot and Ankle Core scale, comprised of 20 questions and the Shoe Comfort Scale with five questions. The questions themselves are distributed among five different categories: Pain (9 items), function (6 items), stiffness and swelling (2 items), giving way (3 items) and shoe comfort (5 items). Answers are then measured on a scale of 1 to 5 or 6, with 1 being the best outcome score.
SSQ-8 satisfaction score
Time frame: 12 months
the SSQ-8 (Surgical Satisfaction Score) is a Patient administered 8-item survey designed to asses satisfaction after a surgical procedure. Answers are then measured on a scale of 1 to 5 or 6, with 1 being the best outcome score.
Change in walking speed
Time frame: 12 months
Speed will be measured in seconds over a standard distance
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Subjects age 18 years or above at time of screening
- Condition satisfies requirement for total talus replacement
- Able to consent and participate in the study
- No previous history of septic arthritis involving the hindfoot/midfoot
- Previous ability to ambulate
Exclusion criteria
- Active infection, sepsis, osteomyelitis or history of septic arthritis involving the hindfoot/midfoot
- Unable to consent or participate in the study secondary to mental status
- Condition does not qualify for a total talus replacement
- Patients who are pregnant or imprisoned
- Planned relocation or unable to return for required follow-up visits
Where
- Columbia, Missouri
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations