Abstract
Arthroscopy of ankle is becoming a common procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of ankle pain. Little information exists regarding the long term prognosis following ankle arthroscopy, particularly in avoiding further major surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognosis of arthroscopic ankle treatment, based on survival analysis. Also we will formalise the relationship between the arthroscopic treatment and time for a further major ankle surgery.
Type of study
Consecutive Case Series study using prospectively gathered data.
Methods
Eighty consecutive patients (80 ankles) having ankle arthroscopy (between 1998 and 2000) with the finding of OA or impingement were identified and their outcome at five years ascertained.
Results
Fifty-five (69%) patients had soft tissue impingement, and 25 (31%) patients had osteoarthritic degenerative changes. Seven (9%) patients had further major surgery (arthrodesis or arthroplasty) and 6 (8%) had repeat arthroscopy. The surgery was required for 7 arthritic ankles within five years of arthroscopic procedure. Survival analysis showed no statistical significance between those under 50 and those over 50 years in the OA group. Seven (28%) of osteoarthritic patients progress to major ankle surgery, within 5 years of arthroscopic treatment. None of the patients with impingement symptoms required further major surgery.
Conclusion
Arthroscopically treated impingement ankles have an excellent prognosis, while osteoarthritic ankles have a less favoured prognosis, with a high proportion requiring further major surgery. Age does not affect prognosis in the OA group.
