Ankle arthrodesis: a long-term study

Few studies of ankle arthrodesis have assessed tarsal mobility. This study was performed to evaluate radiographically the effect of ankle arthrodesis on tarsal motion. Thirty patients (31 ankles) returned for clinical and radiographic examination, review of charts, and completion of questionnaire forms. Radiographs were evaluated for success of fusion, position of fusion, tarsal motion, hindfoot position, and subtalar and midtarsal arthritis. The median follow-up time was 7.0 years (range 2-20 years). Results showed that fusion was achieved in 22 patients (71%). The evaluation score based on the grading system of Mazur et al. correlated with success of fusion and patient satisfaction. However, no correlation existed between evaluation score and tarsal motion or position of fusion in the sagittal or coronal planes. Radiographic evaluation showed no significant difference between tarsal motion of the fused side and the unfused side. Tarsal mobility was not affected by ankle arthrodesis or by the techniques performed to achieve fusion.