Effect of the adjacent-joint osteoarthritis after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) is a good clinical outcome, because the arthroscopic method has been deemed to have shorter union time, less blood loss, less morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and more rapid mobilization. However, it is unclear about the relationship between progression of adjacent-joint arthritis and clinical outcome at long-term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between AAA and adjacent-joint arthritis at 2 years postoperatively. Methods: We evaluated 17 feet of 17 patients at a minimum of two years after surgery that were able to be followed, from among 59 feet in 55 patients with ankle osteoarthritis who underwent AAA between January 2006 and April 2015. The mean age was 66.1 ± 8.1 (range, 57-79) years, and postoperative follow-up was performed at a mean of 4.5 ± 2.3 (range, 2-10) years after surgery. The radiographic evaluation examined a union rate of the ankle, and a progression of adjacent-joint osteoarthritis (OA) change. We examined the relationship between the presence of adjacent-joint OA and Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) score before surgery and last follow up. Additionally, we examined the relationship between the presence of adjacent-joint OA and Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) at last follow up. Results: JSSF score was improved to 56.9 points before surgery and 89.2 points last follow up, and the union rates was 17 feet of 17 feet (100%). At the last follow-up, radiographic signs of developed or progressing arthritis were observed in ten feet at subtalar joint (58.8%) and in three patients at talonavicular joint (17.6%). The postoperative JSSF scale regarding the presence or absence of the adjacent joint OA, there were no significant differences (89.3 ± 6.0 points in the absence group and 89.2 ± 6.1 points in the presence group). Postoperative SAFE-Q was not significantly different, pain and pain-related physical functioning and daily living, social functioning, shoe-related, and general health and well-being. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the JSSF score of presence or absence of the adjacent-joint OA before surgery and at the final follow-up. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the SAFE-Q of presence or absence of the adjacent-joint OA at the final follow-up. The adjacent-joint OA was progressed after AAA, however clinical outcome was relatively maintained.