Short-term results of ankle arthrodesis using anterior double plating system

Abstract

Objective To report short-term outcomes of ankle arthrodesis using anterior double plating system.Methods From September 2009 to October 2011,15 patients with end-stage arthritis of the ankle were treated by ankle arthrodesis with anterior double plating system in our department.They were 10 males and 5 females,aged from 22 to 59 years (average,39.2 years).Nine cases were post-traumatic arthritis,3 osteoarthritis and 3 rheumatoid arthritis.The ankle function was assessed preoperation and at the last follow-up in all patients according to the ankle and hindfoot scoring of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS); bone union was assessed by radiographs.Results The follow-up periods for the 15 patients lasted from 9 to 18 months (average,13 months).Bone union was obtained in all at the last follow-up.The fusion time ranged from 9 to 28 weeks (average,14 weeks).The mean AOFAS score increased significantly from preoperative 36.1 ± 8.1 points to 82.7 ± 6.3 points at the last follow-up (t =23.961,P =0.000).All the 15 patients achieved primary healing of incision and were free of complications like infection or local skin necrosis.No implant failure was observed at the last follow-up.Conclusions The anterior double plating system is an effective method to achieve solid ankle arthrodesis,with advantages of clear operative field,simplicity,rigid fixation and high fusion rate.Its short-term efficacy is definite particularly in patients with severe bone defect or loss of bone stock. Key words: Ankle joint; Osteoarthritis; Arthrodesis; Bone plates