Ankle fusion for degenerative arthritis secondary to the collagen diseases

This study reviews the arthritis clinic population of Rancho Los Amigos and a private practice limited to foot and ankle to determine the number of ankle fusions performed for collagen diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis was found to be the most common disease with ankle involvement severe enough to require fusion. From 8020 clinic visits in a 2-year period there were 61 total hip replacements, 56 total knee replacements, and no total ankle replacements. Three ankle fusions were performed. In a private practice out of 90 patients seen for ankles painful enough to require fusion, 6 were in rheumatoid arthritics. A successful ankle fusion was compatible with good function of the lower limb. Motion lost through fusion could be restored with a rocker-bottom shoe. Significant complications occurred with ankle fusion.