Comparisons of ankle arthrodesis with different internal fixation methods in the treatment of post-traumatic...

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy of ankle arthrodesis with different internal fixation methods in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

We collected 85 patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis who underwent different ankle arthrodesis between December 2015 and December 2020. The operation performance, complication rate, hindfoot alignment, talus tilt angle, visual analogue scale (VAS), and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated.

In an anterior approach, the locking plate-fixation exhibited a similarity in operation time, incision length, postoperative drainage, bone fusion, hindfoot alignment, and talus tilt angle with fibula support compression screw-fixation, but it was better in increasing postoperative AOFAS. The locking plate-fixation in the anterior approach had lower operation time, incision length, and postoperative drainage than that in the lateral approach. In addition, the lateral locking plate combined with posterolateral compression screw fixation (LLPPCSF) presented shorter bone fusion time, higher AOFAS score, and lower complication rate than either plate- or screw-fixation alone.

Lateral locking plate fixation was better than fibula support compression screw fixation in relieving postoperative pain. Anterior locking plate fixation was more time-saving and less invasiveness than lateral locking plate fixation, but its application was limited in low degree of ankle deformation. LLPPCSF was the most effective in improving bone fusion and postoperative pain, considering an optimal option for the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.