Ankle Arthrodesis in the Treatment of Neglected Ankle Fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Neglected ankle fractures are common in our regions. Patients first consult traditional healers and it is when the signs persist that they consult the surgeon for a swollen and painful ankle. Initially we always performed anatomical repairs with osteosynthesis, but the majority of patients still complained of pain and disability. We wondered whether a primary arthrodesis would not be indicated in old ankle fractures to avoid disabling pain for patients. We therefore performed a series of arthrodesis on neglected post-traumatic ankles. The objective of our study was to describe the results of arthrodesis on an old post-traumatic ankle and to propose a therapeutic indication in the face of any neglected ankle fracture. Material and Method: This was a prospective study over 8 years between December 2012 and November 2020, involving 36 cases of neglected ankle fractures treated by arthrodesis using Meary’s technique. We used AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score) preoperatively and postoperatively for an objective assessment. Results: The average follow-up was 4.2 years and our results were satisfactory (94.4%) with an average AOFAS score ranging from 27.8 preoperatively to 76.7 postoperatively. The fusion rate was 97.2%. Discussion: Arthrodesis appears here as an important alternative in the treatment of neglected ankle fractures with significant trophic disorders.