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Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis
I Turan1, T Wredmark, L Felländer-Tsai
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|November 1, 1995
Summary
This study shows arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is effective for rheumatoid arthritis patients. It achieved a 100% fusion rate without complications, offering a safe surgical option.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Traditional ankle fusion methods pose risks for rheumatoid arthritis patients due to comorbidities like osteoporosis and poor skin integrity.
- Severe rheumatoid arthritis often involves multiple joints, complicating surgical options for ankle fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To assess fusion rates and complication incidence in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis was performed on 10 ankle joints in 8 patients (7 seropositive, 1 seronegative rheumatoid arthritis).
- Two patients underwent bilateral ankle fusion.
- Follow-up assessed fusion achievement and complications.
Main Results:
- A 100% fusion rate was achieved across all treated ankles.
- The mean time to achieve ankle fusion was 10 weeks (range: 6-12 weeks).
- No surgical complications were reported in any of the patients.
Conclusions:
- Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is a highly effective and safe procedure for achieving fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- This minimally invasive technique overcomes limitations of traditional methods in this challenging patient group.