Arthrodesis of the ankle: a critical analysis

Arthrodeses of 81 ankles performed by a single surgeon were reviewed after a 12- to 74-month follow up. Average time to union was 13.8 weeks, and 71 (88%) of 81 ankles healed without a second surgery. Ten (12%) of the 81 ankles failed to unite. Of the 10 nonunions, two developed a dense fibrous union without screw failure, and eight underwent revisional surgery. Seven of the revisions united and one has a persistent nonunion. The transfibular approach was utilized, and specific factors related to this approach were assessed. A greater resection of the medial malleolus correlated to a longer healing time and to an increased rate of nonunion. Sixty (96%) of the 63 patients who returned for follow up had no signs or symptoms attributable to malalignment. The average postoperative score for ankle-hindfoot on the AOFAS evaluation was 74 points, and rate of the patient satisfaction was 65 (89%) of the 73 patients. There was no correlation between outcomes and patients ages. Greater tarsal mobility correlated with a higher postoperative score and to higher level of satisfaction.