*2.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria*

Patients older than 18 years were included; there was no maximum age limit. Written informed consent was required prior to participation. The indication for surgery was based on underlying painful end-stage posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the tibiotalar and additional subtalar joint leading to TTCA or TTA. Only surgeries performed at the study center were included. Destruction of the ankle joint due to rheumatic disease or malignant neoplasm of bone, such as osteosarcoma with multiple reconstructions and eventual tibiotalar fusion, were not included.
