Early posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis following ankle fracture-dislocations in a sub-Saharan African setting

Ankle fracture-dislocation (AFD) represents a major threat to the joint and a potential source of complication and functional disability. This study was performed to assess the outcome of AFD in a resource-limited setting and factors associated with the posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (PTAOA). We hypothesized that conservative treatment after AFD was associated with higher risk of PTAOA compared to surgical treatment.

Data from 52 consecutive patients (mean age 37.2±11.1years, with 57.7% n=30, males) who were treated and followed in a teaching hospital for AFD during a period of six years were collected. Forty-four of these patients were obtained at the time of the study for a retrospective evaluation. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), ankle-hindfoot scale, and the patient's global satisfaction index. Radiographs were performed and analyzed for PTAOA. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with the presence of PTAOA.

PTAOA was found in 19 (43.2%) patients after an average follow-up period of 27.2±18.3months. Anatomic fracture reduction was achieved in 22 (50%) patients, while the talus was centered in the mortise in 30 (68.2%) patients. Despite these poor anatomical results, the clinical outcome was good to excellent in 33 (75%) patients, and 88.6% was satisfied or very satisfied. Factors associated with the presence of PTAOA were the non-anatomical reduction (OR=11.07; p=0.007, 95% CI: 2.096-58.77) and the time elapsed since trauma (OR=1.073; p=0.007, 95% CI: 1.109-1.129).

This study indicates that AFDs are associated with high rate of early and severe PTAOA. Non-anatomical realignment and a delay since trauma were positive predictors of PTAOA. There was no difference regarding the occurrence of PTAOA after AFD whatever the type of treatment, surgical or conservative.

IV; retrospective cohort study.