AIM: This study presents the results of arthrodesis of the ankle in non-inflammatory osteoarthritic conditions. METHOD: 34 open arthrodeses (33 patients) were followed for 5.5 +/- 3.2 years after surgery. At follow-up clinical results were evaluated by the Kitaoka and Gruen scores and standing X-rays were analysed for the talo-calcaneal angle and the grade of arthrosis. RESULTS: Patients expressed high and very high satisfaction in 84 % of the cases; good results were higher with the Gruen score (79 %) than with the Kitaoka score (50 %). The patients did not complain pain but had some limitation in walking distance; gait was compensated in 44 % of the patients. A significant increase of arthrosis in adjacent joints could not be observed. A pseudoarthosis was observed in four cases and minor, conservatively treated complications arose in seven cases. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, on the basis of these results, arthrodesis of the ankle still has a place in therapy due to the high patient satisfaction.
AIM: This study presents the results of arthrodesis of the ankle in non-inflammatory osteoarthritic conditions. METHOD: 34 open arthrodeses (33 patients) were followed for 5.5 +/- 3.2 years after surgery. At follow-up clinical results were evaluated by the Kitaoka and Gruen scores and standing X-rays were analysed for the talo-calcaneal angle and the grade of arthrosis. RESULTS:Patients expressed high and very high satisfaction in 84 % of the cases; good results were higher with the Gruen score (79 %) than with the Kitaoka score (50 %). The patients did not complain pain but had some limitation in walking distance; gait was compensated in 44 % of the patients. A significant increase of arthrosis in adjacent joints could not be observed. A pseudoarthosis was observed in four cases and minor, conservatively treated complications arose in seven cases. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, on the basis of these results, arthrodesis of the ankle still has a place in therapy due to the high patient satisfaction.