Ankle Arthrodesis Outcomes in Ankle Osteoarthritis: Comparison between Anterior Approach and Transfibular Approach

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic results of arthrodesis between anterior approach and transfibular approach arthrodesis in ankle arthritis. Materials and Methods: There were 61 cases of ankle arthritis treated by anterior or transfibular ankle arthrodesis in our hospital from April 2008 to March 2012. We investigated 29 cases (27 patients) who underwent ankle arthrodesis with an anterior approach (15 cases) and transfibular approach (14 cases), and were followed for over two years. Clinically, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and subjective satisfaction degrees were evaluated. In addition, ankle coronal and sagittal alignments were evaluated using plain radiographs at 6 and 24 months, postoperatively. Results: Clinically, preoperative mean AOFAS score and VAS was 41.3 and 6.4, and were changed to 58.9 and 3.3 postoperatively in the anterior approach group. In the transfibular approach group, preoperative mean AOFAS score was 36.6 and VAS was 7.1, and they were changed to 54.9 and 3.4 postoperatively. However, no significant differences in the clinical results were observed between the two groups (p=0.297). Duration of attaining union was 8.1 weeks in the anterior approach group and 10.4 weeks in the transfibular approach group. Complications were delayed union in one case, nonunion in three cases, cancellous screw breakage in three cases, and complex regional reflex syndrome in one case. Conclusion: After transfibular ankle arthrodesis as treatment of ankle osteoarthritis, the tendency for valgus angulation of the ankle at the final follow-up was observed and 6.5 mm cancellous screw breakage occurred frequently. Therefore, in order to achieve better stability, it is necessary to use 6.5 mm cannulated screws rather than 6.5 mm cancellous screws for ankle arthrodesis.This study was supported by research fund from Chosun University Hospital, 2013