Arthroscopic vs. Open Ankle Arthrodesis: A 5-year Follow up

OrthoMedia ◽  
2022 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
2021 ◽  
pp. 193864002098092
Author(s):  
Devon W. Consul ◽  
Anson Chu ◽  
Travis M. Langan ◽  
Christopher F. Hyer ◽  
Gregory Berlet

Total ankle replacement has become a viable alternative to ankle arthrodesis in the surgical management of advanced ankle arthritis. Total ankle replacement has generally been reserved for patients who are older and for those who will have a lower demand on the replacement. The purpose of the current study is to review patient outcomes, complications, and implant survival in patients younger than 55 years who underwent total ankle replacement at a single institution. A single-center chart and radiographic review was performed of consecutive patients who underwent total ankle replacement for treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. All surgeries were performed by 1 of 5 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons at a single institution. A total of 51 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 31.2 months (SD = 16.2). Implant survival was 94%, There were 7 major complications (13%) requiring an unplanned return to the operating room and 8 minor complications (15%) that resolved with conservative care. The results of this study show that total ankle replacement is a viable treatment option for patients younger than 55 years. Levels of Evidence: A retrospective case series


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 433
Author(s):  
Priyajit Chattopadhyay ◽  
Paras Kumar Banka ◽  
Anindya Debnath ◽  
Sanjay Kumar

Background: Among the various techniques used for ankle arthrodesis, Ilizarov technique has various advantages along with the potential for treating complex and failed cases.Methods: Eleven cases were undertaken for ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov fixator. Two rings were applied along the tibia and one at the talus/calcaneum. The articular cartilage was denuded, and dynamic compression applied. The clinical, functional and radiological outcome were evaluated. The goal was a stable fusion with a well aligned foot.Results: The mean follow-up period was 95 weeks. Fusion was achieved in all cases with no major complication. Only one case had a residual deformity. The average time interval for the ankle fusion was 140.8±25.7 days. The postoperative modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot score was 67.5±9.6 points.Conclusions: Ilizarov assisted ankle arthrodesis aids in early weight bearing, better alignment, and has good functional outcomes even in cases with previously failed procedures. It has the advantage of postoperative readjustment of the arthrodesis without the need of any second procedure with no major complications.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0051
Author(s):  
Stephen White ◽  
Bruce Cohen ◽  
Carroll Jones ◽  
Michael Le ◽  
W. Hodges Davis

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthrodesis remains a prominent treatment choice for ankle arthritis in a majority of patients. Long term studies have shown a compensatory development of ipsilateral adjacent joint arthritis after ankle arthrodesis, and some patients who receive an ankle arthrodesis develop pain in surrounding joints, or even at the fusion site. As total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) design, instrumentation, and techniques have improved, the use of total ankle arthroplasty has become more widespread. Very few studies have been published on conversion of ankle arthrodesis to ankle arthroplasty, but they have shown improved function and patient-related outcome scores. The purpose of this study was to assess the radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes of patients undergoing ankle arthroplasty after conversion from a CT-confirmed ankle arthrodesis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with previous CT-confirmed ankle arthrodesis who underwent conversion to total ankle arthroplasty. Minimum follow up was 1 year. Nonunions of ankle arthrodesis were excluded. AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, foot function index (FFI), pain, revision surgeries, complications, and patient demographics were assessed. Radiographs prior to TAA, and at latest follow-up were also reviewed. Results: 10 patients were included in the study with an average age of 54.5 years. No implants had to be revised. 1/10 (10%) patients had to undergo secondary surgery for heterotopic ossification removal. The same patient had to undergo another subsequent surgery for posterior ankle decompression. 2/10 (20%) patients had a mild talar subsidence of the TAA at latest follow-up, with no patients having tibial subsidence. Talar osteolysis was noticed in 2 patients (20%) at latest follow-up, with no patients having tibial osteolysis. Only one patient (10%) was noted to have a mild valgus alignment of TAA with no varus malalignments. All radiographic changes noted were clinically asymptomatic. The average AOFAS total score was 58 (range 23,89). The mean FFI total score was 41.9 (range 0,90). Conclusion: Conversion of ankle fusion to TAA is a challenging operation but can be a viable option for patients with ongoing pain after an ankle arthrodesis. We noted low revision rates and few complications at 1 year.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0022
Author(s):  
Yasunari Ikuta ◽  
Tomoyuki Nakasa ◽  
Yusuke Tsuyuguchi ◽  
Yuki Ota ◽  
Munekazu Kanemitsu ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle Arthritis, Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Ankle trauma is highly implicated in the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle, and posttraumatic ankle OA is often observed in younger patients. In advanced stages, ankle arthrodesis has been considered as a gold standard treatment, and total ankle arthroplasty is also developed over the past decade for older patients. However, the surgical treatment of severe ankle OA for younger, active patients remains challenging. Ankle distraction arthroplasty is an alternative option for treatment of severe ankle OA in younger patients. The distraction device enables joint distraction with ankle motion that induces cartilage repair of the ankle. This study aimed to clarify the clinical outcome of the ankle distraction arthroplasty with arthroscopic microfracture for ankle OA in younger patients. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 7 ankle OA patients who underwent distraction arthroplasty with arthroscopic microfracture, in 5 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 45.9 years (range, 39-62). Range of motion (ROM) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score were evaluated as the clinical outcomes. The talotibial joint space was identified as anterior, center and posterior segment on lateral view. The width of joint space in each segment was measured on pre- and post-operative weight-bearing radiographs. The distraction device was removed at 3 months after initial surgery, and second look arthroscopy was also performed at the same time. The arthroscopic findings were assessed retrospectively. Results: All 7 patients were followed with a mean follow-up period of 4.2 years. One patient who had the worst preoperative AOFAS score of 19 converted to arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis at 2 years after the initial surgery. The mean total ROM and AOFAS score improved from 29.3 to 37.1 (p = 0.028), from 41.7 to 76.1 (p = 0.018), respectively. Weight-bearing radiographs showed a width of ankle joint space with anterior, center and posterior of 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm at preoperative status and 2.9 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm at final follow-up status. Second look arthroscopy revealed that the fibrous cartilage like tissue covered the cartilage defect area at the talotibial joint in all patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the distraction arthroplasty with arthroscopic microfracture could be a useful option for active patients with advanced stage of ankle OA. Good clinical status and the width of joint space had been preserved for a maximum of seven years. Further follow-up was required to elucidate the long-term clinical results.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949901668441
Author(s):  
Chi-Chuan Wu

Purpose: Following far advancement of modern medicine and technology, functional disability in a certain type of sequelae of poliomyelitis may be effectively improved. Methods: Eight consecutive adult patients with unilateral sequelae of poliomyelitis were treated. These patients had shortened lower extremity of an average of 4.8 cm (range, 4.0–5.5 cm) in the lesion side. Muscle power of the ipsilateral knee was nearly intact (grade 4 or 5) but the ankle extension was completely flaccid. The tibia was osteotomized and lengthened with external fixation. Consequently, all external fixators were converted to plates supplemented with autogenous corticocancellous bone graft and bone graft substitute. Ankle arthrodesis was performed concomitantly. Results: Seven patients were followed up for an average of 3.7 years (range, 2.2–5.4 years). All seven lengthened sites healed with an average union time of 3.9 months (range, 3.5–4.5 months) after plating. One ankle infection occurred. Gait function significantly improved by modified Mazur scoring evaluation ( p = 0.02). At the latest follow-up, all patients had a minimal or unnoticed limp in level walking. Conclusion: The described combined techniques may be an excellent alternate for treating selected patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis. The procedure is not complex but the efficiency is extremely prominent.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0028
Author(s):  
David Macknet ◽  
Andrew Wohler ◽  
Carroll P. Jones ◽  
J. Kent Ellington ◽  
Bruce E. Cohen ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle Arthritis, Diabetes, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Charcot neuropathy of the ankle and hindfoot is a progressive and destructive process that can lead to instability and ulceration resulting in significant morbidity which can end with amputation. The foot and ankle surgeon’s aim is to reconstruct the high risk foot with the creation of a stable plantigrade foot, while reducing the risk of ulceration and allowing the patient to mobilize in commercially available footwear. There are numerous techniques for the reconstruction of the neuropathic hindfoot, but the most utilized of these include multiplanar external fixation or internal fixation with a plate or intramedullary nail. It is our goal to further elucidate outcomes of Charcot patients undergoing corrective ankle and hindfoot fusion comparing internal versus external fixation. Methods: We retrospectively collected 377 patients undergoing hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis at our institution from 2006- 2017. 77 patients were identified that underwent arthrodesis for Charcot arthropathy, 56 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. This included 47 who had internal fixation as their primary procedure and 9 patients who underwent external fixation with a multi-planar external fixator. Our median follow up time was 3.4 years (IQR .5 to 12.9). Preoperatively we collected basic demographic variables, reasons for neuropathy, and ulcer status. Postoperatively we collected complications including infection, hardware failure, ulceration, recurrent deformity, and radiographic outcomes including union and hardware backout. Reoperation numbers and indications were also collected. Our primary outcome was limb salvage at final follow up. Secondarily, we collected final ambulatory and footwear status. Results: The limb salvage rate was 82% with 10 patients undergoing amputation, which did not vary between groups (p=.99). The primary reasons for amputation were persistent infection (4 of 10) and nonunion (4 of 10). Thirteen (24%) patients developed an infection. The median number of reoperations per patient was 1 (IQR 0-2) with the patients who underwent amputation undergoing a median of 2 (IQR 2-4) reoperations. The rate of union was 54%, occurring at a median of 26.5 (IQR 12-47) months. 44% (4/9) of patients in the external fixation group had a preoperative ulceration versus 19% (9/47) of the patients in the internal fixation group (p=.19). Preoperative ulceration was not a risk factor for amputation. Forty-two (75%) patients were ambulatory at final follow up. Conclusion: We report on the single largest series of Charcot patients undergoing hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis. The surgical management of this population has a high rate of complications with infection and reoperation being common. Despite a high nonunion rate most patients are able to ambulate in a brace or orthotic. Limb salvage can be expected with either internal or external fixation techniques.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0026
Author(s):  
Kathleen Jarrell ◽  
Marek Denisiuk ◽  
Elizabeth McDonald ◽  
Steven Raikin

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthrodesis can be approached anteriorly, laterally, medially, or posteriorly, and debate remains as to which approach is most advantageous. Although an anterior approach using the interval between the extensor hallucis longus and tibialis anterior is commonly performed, there is a paucity of studies showing the clinical outcomes after this procedure. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes and patient satisfaction at mid-term follow-up after ankle arthrodesis via an anterior approach. Methods: All isolated primary ankle arthrodeses performed with the anterior approach by a single fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon between May of 2011 and December of 2015 were retrospectively included. Chart review was performed and patient reported outcomes were collected including FAAM ADL, FAAM Sports, VAS, and SF-12 scores pre-operatively and at a minimum of two-years post-operatively. At final follow-up, a survey was distributed via phone or email inquiring about level of satisfaction and whether they would undergo the procedure again. A total of 108 patients were included, of which only 45 (41.67%) had pre-operative functional scores, 24 (22.2%) completed both pre- and post-operative functional scores, and 20 patients (18.5%) had satisfaction results. The average length of follow-up was 4.4 years (range: 1.7 – 7.9, SD 1.6). Results: FAAM ADL scores improved from a mean of 48.1 to 67.6, FAAM Sports increased from 18.1 to 34.9, VAS Pain decreased from 73.2 to 44.9, SF-12 MCS changed from 44.2 to 46.7, and SF-12 PCS increased from 31.0 to 42.2. Using a linear mixed effects model and controlling for length of follow-up, all functional and pain score improvements were significant except SF- 12 MCS (Table 1). Overall, 65% of patients were satisfied with their results and 85% of patients would consider the same surgery if needed. Patients who were more satisfied with their surgery were more likely to say that they would consider the same surgery given similar circumstances (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Post-operative functional scores were significantly improved and pain scores were significantly decreased compared to pre-operative scores in a cohort of patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis using an anterior approach. Satisfaction with the surgery was lower than expected given the improvement in functional scores. Further study is indicated to determine methods to improve satisfaction. Our study suggests that an anterior approach to ankle arthrodesis is an effective technique to improve function and pain in patients with ankle arthritis, however satisfaction after surgery is no guarantee. The study is limited by the small subset of patients with pre- and post-operative functional scores.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Richman ◽  
Tyler Rutherford ◽  
Timothy Rearick ◽  
John T. Campbell ◽  
Rebecca Cerrato ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis, Sports Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis (AA) are two common surgical treatment modalities for end stage tibiotalar arthritis. A key deciding point between the two is anticipated functional outcome postoperatively, especially in regards to sports related activities. However, there is a paucity of data available to help advise patients in their decision making. While TAR provides a theoretical benefit of improved functionality, the outcomes of several European studies have shown mixed results. These studies are limited by small sample size, obsolete TAR implants not used in the United States, and nonspecific outcome measures. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative sports activity levels following modern TAR and AA in a U.S. population, which may benefit surgical decision making and guide patient expectations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparative study that consisted of patients who underwent a TAR (N=62) or AA (N=51) between 2009-2015. The mean age of the arthrodesis group was 57.7 years ± 12.12 (28.84-85.26). There were 27 male participants and 24 female participants. The TAR group had 31 male and 31 female participants with a mean age of 64.9 years ± 8.57 (45-79.6). Exclusion criteria included paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis, revision surgery, incomplete pre- and post-operative scores, and follow up less than 2 years. General health and foot-ankle function were assessed using the SF-12 Health Survey and the revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R) preoperatively and at final follow-up. In addition, activity levels were assessed using a Return to Activities Following Surgery questionnaire that was administered at final follow up. This form included a Visual Analog Scale for Pain, satisfaction questions, and a list of 25 activities. Patients were asked to record their current level of activity, ability to participate pre- and post-surgery, and whether their desired level was met. All three measurements tools were compared between both treatment groups. Results: The SF-12 physical score both groups significantly increased postoperatively from 33.18 ± 10.37 to 43 ± 10.32 for AA’s and from 32.88 ± 9.44 to 45.81 ± 12.94 (p < 0.001) for TAR’s. The FFI scores showed a significant increase in both groups (p < 0.001). In the AA group, 88% of patients returned to work and would repeat the surgery, compared to 92% of patients in the TAR group. In terms of satisfaction and pain, the TAR group was more satisfied (1.78 vs. 1.44) and had less postoperative pain (1.32 vs. 2.56 p < 0.05). The AA group reported a significant increase in six activities including: golf (p < 0.05), weight lifting, and walking (p<0.001), while the TAR group reported significant increase in 15 activities, including hiking, tennis, and yoga (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed a significant increase in general physical function, foot function, and activity level in both groups. The TAR group was able to perform a wider range of activity and sports compared to the AA group. Overall, TAR patients were significantly more satisfied with their procedure compared to AA patients.


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