Ankle arthrodesis using an arthroscopic method: long-term follow-up of 34 cases.

Thirty-four ankle arthrodeses performed using an arthroscopic technique were followed for an average of 8 years. The fusion rate was 97% and the average time to fusion was 9 weeks; 86% of patients had good or excellent functional results. There were no wound infections or neurological injuries. There was one malunion and one additional minor complication. The arthroscopic method uses an abrader to denude the joint surfaces of cartilage, followed by screw fixation. The average time to fusion is significantly less than other ankle arthrodesis techniques, which hastens the recovery period. The shorter time to fusion is likely a result of the minimal soft tissue stripping that is performed during the procedure. The low morbidity of this technique eliminates the need for hospitalization in most cases. There were no long-term adverse sequelae. This is the largest reported series of arthroscopic ankle arthrodeses.