Endoprosthetic arthroplasty of the ankle joint. A clinical and radiological follow-up.

Eighteen ICLH ankle arthroplasties in 16 patients were followed up 15 to 52 months postoperatively (mean 36 months) by a review of the records, and clinical and radiological examinations. Five arthroplasties were performed for osteoarthrosis, 13 for rheumatoid arthritis. The overall clinical result was rated excellent in 2, good in 8, fair in 6, and poor in 2 joints. In osteoarthritic joints the results were somewhat poorer, no patient obtaining a rating of excellent but 2 of good, 2 of fair, and one of poor. Radiolucent zones greater than 2 millimeters were seen around the tibial component in 7 cases. Loosening defined as radiographic signs of movement between the prosthetic components and bone was present in 4 cases. The high occurrence of obvious loosening and large radiolucent zones indicates that mechanical problems will be encountered frequently in the future. From the results of this study it is concluded that ankle arthroplasty has a definite place in the treatment of severe arthritis in rheumatoid patients.