End-stage ankle arthrosis treated by ankle arthrodesis with reverse proximal humerus internal locking system plating plus cannulated screwing via the transfibular approach / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of ankle arthrodesis with reverse proximal humerus internal locking system plating plus cannulated screwing via the transfibular approach in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthrosis.Methods:From April 2014 to January 2018, 19 patients (19 ankles) with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis were treated at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital by ankle arthrodesis with reverse PHILOS plating plus cannulated screwing via the transfibular approach for multi-plane fixation. They were 9 men and 10 women, aged from 36 to 65 years (average, 46.7 years). The disorder was further diagnosed as traumatic arthritis in 9 cases, as osteoarthritis in 6, as talar necrosis in 2 and as equinovarus in 2, and affected the left ankle in 11 cases and the right in 8. All cases belonged to stage Ⅲ osteoarthritis according to the Morrey-Wiedeman imaging classification. Their American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS), joint fusion and complications were observed preoperatively and at the last follow-up.Results:All the 19 patients were followed up for 18 to 62 months (average, 31.5 months). Their AOFAS scores were improved from preoperative 46.3±2.1 to 81.6±0.9 at the last follow-up, and their VAS was reduced from preoperative 7.1±0.2 to 2.0±0.2 at the last follow-up, showing significant differences ( P<0.001). All their ankle joints obtained bony fusion after 9 to 14 weeks (mean, 11.5 weeks). No implant loosening or breakage was observed. All the patients were satisfied with their operative results at the last follow-up. Dorsal lateral foot numbness was observed in one patient who became asymptomatic after neurotrophic medication for 3 months. Lateral distal wound dehiscence happened during removal of stitches at 2 weeks after operation in another patient but healed after debridement. The last follow-up found subtalar joint degeneration in 2 cases and talonavicular joint degeneration in one but no clinical symptoms in the 3. Conclusion:Ankle arthrodesis with reverse PHILOS plating plus cannulated screwing via the transfibular approach is a fine treatment for end-stage ankle arthrosis, because it leads to reliable fixation, short fusion time, alleviated pain and improved ankle function.