The long term outcomes of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and the prevalence of adjacent degenerative joint disease

V. Sinclair, E. O'Leary, A. Pentlow, S. Hepple, B. Harries, I. Winson

Introduction: Arthroscopic ankle fusion is an effective treatment for end stage ankle arthritis. It reliably improves pain but at the expense of ankle motion. Development of adjacent degenerative joint disease in the foot is thought to be a consequence of ankle fusion due to altered biomechanics. However, it has been reported to be present on pre-operative radiographs in many patients. There is very little evidence reporting the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic ankle fusion and particularly those requiring secondary procedures for adjacent joint disease.

Material and methods: We reviewed the operative records of 149 patients who had undergone arthroscopic ankle fusion under the care of two consultant foot and ankle surgeons between 2002 and 2006. We contacted patients by telephone to determine whether they had required further investigation or surgery on the same foot after their index procedure. Secondary outcome measures included a Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOQFQ) score and a patient satisfaction score.

Results: 149 patients underwent 151 arthroscopic ankle fusions. Nine had died or developed dementia and 30 patients had incomplete hospital records leaving 111 available for follow-up with a response rate of 55% (65 ankles). The average time to follow-up was 12.0 years (9.5-16.6 years). 14 patients (22%) had undergone a secondary procedure including injections on the foot or ankle of the same side as the index procedure. Four of these procedures were arthrodeses and three of these were of the subtalar joint. Mean MOQFQ score was 18.0 (0-55). Overall 83% (54) patients were very satisfied or satisfied with their ankle fusion.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis results in high patient satisfaction rates at long-term follow-up. The number of patients requiring a secondary procedure due to ongoing pain and adjacent degenerative joint disease in their foot following ankle arthrodesis is low.