Outcome of ankle arthrodesis for post-traumatic ankle arthritis

Abstract

Background: Post traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint is characterized by debilitating joint pain, dysfunction and instability of the  ankle joint, posing a significant morbidity on affected patients. Additional soft tissue loss often further complicates management and also  affects prognosis. Arthrodesis is an effective salvage procedure for these patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to  determine outcome of patients who had ankle arthrodesis for post traumatic ankle osteoarthritis

Methods: This was a retrospective  study undertaken from April 2018 to May 2022 on all patients who had ankle arthrodesis for post traumatic arthritis of the ankle joint.  

Results: A total of 20 patients were recruited into this study, with a mean age of 40.7, with a male: female ratio of 1:1. Although all  patients had open arthrodesis of the ankle joint, fourteen patients had trans-articular screw fixation, while two patients had ankle  arthrodesis using Charnley’s clamp, vertical transtalar Steinman’s pin fixation, and a locking plate respectively. Using the AOFAS Ankle- Hind foot scale, 75% of patients had excellent outcomes, 15% had good outcomes while 5% each had fair and poor outcomes respectively. 

Conclusion: Arthrodesis of the ankle joint is an effective tool in the management of post traumatic arthritis of the ankle  joint.