Ankle Arthrodesis Through an Anterior Approach

Abstract

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthrodesis can be approached anteriorly, laterally, medially, or posteriorly, and debate remains as to which approach is most advantageous. Although an anterior approach using the interval between the extensor hallucis longus and tibialis anterior is commonly performed, there is a paucity of studies showing the clinical outcomes after this procedure. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes and patient satisfaction at mid-term follow-up after ankle arthrodesis via an anterior approach. Methods: All isolated primary ankle arthrodeses performed with the anterior approach by a single fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon between May of 2011 and December of 2015 were retrospectively included. Chart review was performed and patient reported outcomes were collected including FAAM ADL, FAAM Sports, VAS, and SF-12 scores pre-operatively and at a minimum of two-years post-operatively. At final follow-up, a survey was distributed via phone or email inquiring about level of satisfaction and whether they would undergo the procedure again. A total of 108 patients were included, of which only 45 (41.67%) had pre-operative functional scores, 24 (22.2%) completed both pre- and post-operative functional scores, and 20 patients (18.5%) had satisfaction results. The average length of follow-up was 4.4 years (range: 1.7 – 7.9, SD 1.6). Results: FAAM ADL scores improved from a mean of 48.1 to 67.6, FAAM Sports increased from 18.1 to 34.9, VAS Pain decreased from 73.2 to 44.9, SF-12 MCS changed from 44.2 to 46.7, and SF-12 PCS increased from 31.0 to 42.2. Using a linear mixed effects model and controlling for length of follow-up, all functional and pain score improvements were significant except SF- 12 MCS (Table 1). Overall, 65% of patients were satisfied with their results and 85% of patients would consider the same surgery if needed. Patients who were more satisfied with their surgery were more likely to say that they would consider the same surgery given similar circumstances (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Post-operative functional scores were significantly improved and pain scores were significantly decreased compared to pre-operative scores in a cohort of patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis using an anterior approach. Satisfaction with the surgery was lower than expected given the improvement in functional scores. Further study is indicated to determine methods to improve satisfaction. Our study suggests that an anterior approach to ankle arthrodesis is an effective technique to improve function and pain in patients with ankle arthritis, however satisfaction after surgery is no guarantee. The study is limited by the small subset of patients with pre- and post-operative functional scores.