Compromise of Adjacent Joints in Long-Term Evolution of Ankle Arthrodesis

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Alberto Macklin Vadell
Enzo Sperone
Andrés Bigatti
Matías Iglesias
Yanser Atilmis
Martín Rofrano
Stephanía Cruz
Emanuel Fedún Rodríguez

Abstract

Introduction: Tibiotalar arthrodesis is an option in the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis in patients who do not respond to conservative measures. Its main disadvantage is the compromise of adjacent joints in the medium and long term.
Objective: To determine the involvement of adjacent joints in the medium and long term and its impact on functional outcomes in patients with ankle arthrodesis.
Materials and Methods: We evaluated a series of 11 patients, 6 females and 5 males. The initial diagnosis was post-traumatic osteoarthritis (9 cases), septic arthritis (1 case), and osteochondral lesion of the talus (1 case). The mean age at the time of surgery was 50 years. The mean follow-up was 9 years. The radiographic compromise of the adjacent joints was evaluated. The patients were functionally evaluated using the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS), the AOFAS scale (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score), and a simple satisfaction questionnaire.
Results: 10 patients (91%) presented with osteoarthritis of one of the adjacent joints. The average score on the VAS was 2.6, while on the AOFAS scale, it was 71. Nine patients reported being very satisfied, one was moderately satisfied, and one was dissatisfied.
Conclusion: The involvement of adjacent joints is very frequent in the long term, but this does not have a direct impact on the patient’s functional outcomes.

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How to Cite
Macklin Vadell , A., Sperone , E., Bigatti, A., Iglesias , M., Atilmis, Y., Rofrano, M., Cruz, S., & Fedún Rodríguez, E. (2024). Compromise of Adjacent Joints in Long-Term Evolution of Ankle Arthrodesis. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 89(2), 113-120. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2024.89.2.1804
Section
Clinical Research
Author Biographies

Alberto Macklin Vadell , Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Enzo Sperone , Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Andrés Bigatti, Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Matías Iglesias , Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Yanser Atilmis, Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Martín Rofrano, Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Stephanía Cruz, Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Emanuel Fedún Rodríguez, Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg and Foot Unit, Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

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