Fibula-preserving anterolateral approach for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: clinical and radiographic outcomes / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis via the fibula-preserving anterolateral approach.Methods:From March 2018 to February 2021, 23 patients underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis via the fibula-preserving anterolateral approach at the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital.Of them, 15 were males and 8 females. Their average age at surgery was 54.4 years (range, from 28 to 72 years). There were 11 cases of traumatic arthritis, 2 cases of Charcot arthropathy, 6 cases of neurogenic equinovarus, 2 cases of traumatic equinovarus, and 2 cases of Kashin-Beck disease. Comparisons were made between preoperation and the last follow-up in ankle-hindfoot score of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), visual analogue scale (VAS), foot function index (FFI), hindfoot alignment angle (HA), hindfoot alignment distance (HD), and hindfoot alignment ratio (HR). The tibia-foot angle on lateral weight-bearing and patient satisfaction at the last follow-up and postoperative complications were documented.Results:This cohort were followed up for an average of 24.7 months (from 12 to 48 months). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score (78.2 ± 9.2), VAS [2.0 (0.5, 2.0)], FFI [19.0 (10.5, 35.0)], HA (2.7° ± 5.8°), HD [(0.1 ± 0.8) cm] and HR [44.2 (36.4, 59.2)%] at the last follow-up were significantly improved than the preoperative values [43.4 ± 12.7, 4.0 (4.0, 6.0), 98.0 (60.0, 127.0), 22.0° ± 14.3°, (2.2 ± 1.6) cm and 86.0 (66.3, 100.0)%] (all P<0.05). The tibia-foot angle on lateral weight-bearing was 89.0° (87.1°, 90.4°) at the last follow-up. By the Likert scale, 17 cases were very satisfied with the surgery, 4 cases satisfied and 2 cases tolerate, giving a satisfaction rate of 91.3%(21/23). Infection occurred in one case and nonunion in one. Conclusion:Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis via the fibula-preserving anterolateral approach yields good mid- to short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes, showing a strong capability to correct ankle and hindfoot varus and equinus.