Functional limitations associated with end-stage ankle arthritis.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Ankle arthritis significantly impairs patient function, similar to hip and knee arthritis.
• Understanding these functional limitations is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the preoperative functional limitations in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis.
• To identify correlations between demographic characteristics, physical function, and self-assessed function.

Main Methods:

• Patients with end-stage ankle arthritis were evaluated for demographic characteristics, physical function, and self-assessed function.
• Activity was monitored using the StepWatch 3 Activity Monitor, and surveys included the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and Short Form-36.
• Gait kinematics and kinetics were analyzed during self-selected pace walking.

Main Results:

• Patients exhibited reduced perceived function, fewer daily steps (total and high-intensity), and slower walking speeds compared to healthy controls.
• Gait analysis showed decreased ankle motion, plantar flexor moment, and power generation in the affected limb.
• High-intensity step count correlated with survey scores, walking speed, step length, and ankle biomechanics.

Conclusions:

• End-stage ankle arthritis leads to diminished physical and perceived function compared to healthy individuals.
• High-intensity step count is a more sensitive indicator of physical and perceived function in this patient group than total daily steps.