Aims

A multicentre, randomized, clinician-led, pragmatic, parallel-group orthopaedic trial of two surgical procedures was set up to obtain high-quality evidence of effectiveness. However, the trial faced recruitment challenges and struggled to maintain recruitment rates over 30%, although this is not unusual for surgical trials. We conducted a qualitative study with the aim of gathering information about recruitment practices to identify barriers to patient consent and participation to an orthopaedic trial.

Introduction. Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle affects approximately 30,000 patients annually in the UK. Evidence has shown that excess weight exacerbates foot pain, with significant increases in joint forces. However, despite the current trend for Clinical Commissioning Groups to ration surgery for obese patients, studies have not yet determined the effect of weight loss in obese patients with foot and ankle arthritis. Aim. Pilot study to investigate the effect of simulated weight loss on pain scores in obese patients with symptomatic foot and ankle arthritis. Methods. Following ethical approval, a prospective study of 17 obese patients (mean BMI 39.2, range 31.2 – 50.3) with foot and ankle arthritis was undertaken (BOFAS funded). Under physiotherapist supervision, patients walked for one minute on an anti-gravity treadmill, which allowed simulated weight reduction. Following baseline assessment, reduced BMI was simulated, starting at 20, rising in increments of 5, until each patient's usual BMI was reached. Pain was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess for significant changes in pain, comparing baseline with each simulated BMI category (significance set at p< 0.05). Results. Simulated weight loss caused a significant reduction in pain (p=0.005, power 0.91). Mean VAS pain scores improved by 24% (p=0.003) and 17% (p=0.040) for BMI categories 20 and 25, compared with baseline. Pain scores were not significantly different comparing BMI categories of 25 and 20. Conclusion. Simulated weight loss to normal BMI significantly decreased pain in obese patients with foot and ankle arthritis. The use of the anti-gravity treadmill to demonstrate the feeling of normal BMI has also provided motivation to several patients to lose weight. The current study could be used to power future studies to investigate the effects of weight loss in foot and ankle patients

Numerous studies have demonstrated that concomitant lower back pain (LBP) results in worse functional outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment for the management of end stage hip and knee arthritis. However, no equivalent studies have analysed the impact of back pain on the outcomes of patients with end stage ankle arthritis. Furthermore, given that two widely accepted surgical options exist in the treatment of ankle arthritis, namely total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle arthrodesis (AA), it is possible that one surgical technique may be superior in patients with LBP. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of LBP in people with ankle arthritis, analyse its effect on functional outcomes, and explore whether there was a treatment advantage from either TAA or AA. Prospectively collected data from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) database of ankle arthritis was analysed in this study. All patients with ankle arthritis who underwent surgery performed by three fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons at a single institution between January 2003 and July 2012 were studied. Patient demographics were collected pre-operatively, including the absence or presence of back pain, and post-operative follow up was performed at 2 and 5 years, evaluating patient-reported functional outcome measures including the Ankle Arthritis Score (AAS) and the 36-item short form survey (SF-36). Using a linear regression model, a multivariate analysis was performed to examine the relationship between back pain, TAAs and AAs. In total, 451 patients were studied. 164 patients (36.4%) presented with concomitant LBP. At presentation, the LBP group had worse AAS scores (54.8 vs 57.8 p. At 2 years postoperatively, the AAS score was the same in both groups (28.9 vs 26.8 p = 0.3), but patients with LBP had worse SF-36 PCS (42.1 vs 36.6 p 0.05) in any of the functional outcome scores at 2 or 5 years post-operatively. The results of this study suggest there is no advantage of TAA over AA in the treatment of ankle arthritis in patients with concomitant lower back pain. Although pre-operative back pain resulted in worse SF-36 outcomes at 2 and 5 years post- operatively, this was not the case for AAS scores

Aims. The surgical management of ankle arthritis with tibiotalar arthrodesis is known to alter gait, as compared with normal ankles. The purpose of this study was to assess post-operative gait function with gait before arthrodesis. Patients and Methods. We prospectively studied 20 patients who underwent three-dimensional gait analysis before and after tibiotalar arthrodesis. Cadence, step length, walking velocity and total support time were assessed. Kinetic parameters, including the moment and power of the ankle in the sagittal plane and hip power were also recorded. Results. Significant improvement was recorded across numerous parameters compared with pre-operative measurements. Temporal-spatial data demonstrated a significant increase in step length (p = 0.003) and velocity (p = < 0.001). Total support time decreased for the unaffected limb (p = 0.01). Kinematic results demonstrated that in the affected limb, total sagittal range of movement did not change significantly (p = 0.1259). However, the arc of movement had a near congruent shift with mean maximal dorsiflexion increasing from 5° (-17° to 16°) to 12° (5° to 18°) (p < 0.001) and mean maximal plantarflexion decreasing from 6.8° (6° to 21°) to 0.9° (-9° to 8°) (p = 0.003). Mean hip joint range of movement increased by 6° (-7° to 24°; p = 0.003). Kinetic results demonstrated no statistically significant change in ankle power (p = 0.1292). However, there was an increase in ankle moment (p = 0.04) and hip power (p = 0.01) in the surgically treated extremity. Sagittal plane range of movement was not reduced after tibiotalar fusion. Conclusion. Although following tibiotalar arthrodesis the gait demonstrated never matched the gait shown in unaffected ankles, compared with the pre-operative analysis there was improvement in numerous temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic measures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1369–75

Aim. Young patients with ankle arthritis that remains symptomatic in spite of conservative treatment and following arthroscopic debridement are usually offered either ankle fusion or ankle replacement. Both these options are far from ideal in this age group. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes following ankle distraction to determine whether it is a reliable alternative for the treatment of ankle arthritis in young adults. Material and methods. Data was collected prospectively for 15 patients (9 males and 6 females, mean age 31.9 years) with “stage 2” ankle arthritis who failed conservative treatment and continued to be symptomatic following arthroscopic ankle debridement. Distraction of 8 mm was done using a dynamic constrained ankle circular frame and all patients were allowed full weight bearing all through the distraction process. The subjective functional evaluation was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), the Foot Disability Index (FADI) and the Visual Analogue Score (VAS). In 10 patients the Manchester Oxford Foot questionnaire (MOXFQ) and the Short Form (SF) 12 patient satisfaction questionnaire were also filled preoperatively and at final follow up. Results. At a minimum follow-up of 24 months (mean 34.4) none of the patients required fusion or replacement. There was a significant improvement in all the functional outcome scores. There was also a significant improvement in the ankle joint space on weight bearing x-rays. Conclusion. Based on these results the use of ankle distraction can be considered a useful option for the treatment of symptomatic “stage 2” ankle arthritis in young adults. Longer-term follow-up and comparison with alternative techniques will be required to evaluate the true effectiveness of this treatment option

Purpose: To assess patients quality of life, pain, and functional limitations with with endstage ankle arthritis (EAA) and compared this to a similar cohort of patients with endstage hip arthritis (EHA). Methods: Preoperative data (Short Form SF36) was collected prospectively from patients (n=130) with end stage ankle arthritis and compared to a similar cohort of patients (n=130) with end stage hip arthritis. Patients with ankle arthritis were registered in the Canadian Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) multi-center study investigating the clinical outcome of ankle arthroplasty and fusion and patients with hip arthritis were randomly selected from the Halifax Joint Replacement Registry Database. Results: All symptom and functional SF36 subscales for patients with EAA or EHA, were approximately two standard deviations below normal population scores. All differences between ankle and hip SF36 subscales scores were less than 4 points (40% of STD) in both direct and adjusted comparisons. A direct comparison of SF36 scores revealed that patients with EAA had significantly worse mental health according to the SF36 Mental Component Summary Score (MCS) (p= 0.0059), physical limitations with work and daily activities - role physical score (p= < 0.0001), and general health (p= 0.0004). Patients with EHA reported poorer physical function (p= 0.0007) although the Physical Component Summary Score (PCS) for the SF36 was not significant (p= 0.0510). Total Summary SF36, Physical Component Summary (PCS), bodily pain, vitality, role-emotional, social functioning, and mental health subscales were all not significantly different between cohorts (p> 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with EAA have devastating losses of quality of life, which are comparable to patients with EHA. These findings suggest that increased resources should be directed towards alleviating the severe pain and disability associated with ankle arthritis

Infection of the ankle joint is a serious problem that can have a debilitating outcome if not identified and treated appropriately. The purpose of this retrospective study is to present epidemiologic data aimed at better characterising the clinical diagnosis of septic ankle guiding empiric therapy. All admissions to Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center between 1996 and 2005 were screened to identify patients with ankle infection, shown by a synovial WBC count > 50,000, frank purulence in the joint, or positive synovial culture. Forty-two patients (33 male, 9 female) with a mean age of 44.8 (23 to 67 years) were identified. Twelve out of forty-two patients had indwelling hardware and were excluded from further analysis. Of the 30 patients with hematogenous septic ankle arthritis, 87% reported ankle pain, 70% ankle swelling, and 50% demonstrated decreased range of motion at the ankle joint. Cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus (43%), streptococci (30%), and gram-negative rods (7%). Twenty-three percent of cases were polymicrobial; no cases of Neisseria gonorrhea were identified. There were 3 cases of M. tuberculosis, and 1 case each of Coccidioides immitis and Aspergillus sp. Forty-four percent of the Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA); no change was observed in prevalence of resistant organisms over time. Only 48% had an elevated WBC count; C-reactive protein and ESR were elevated in 100% of patients. Adjacent osteomyelitis was found in 30% of patients. Open irrigation and debridement was performed in 73% of cases; five patients required multiple surgical procedures and 1 amputation. Septic ankle arthritis presents non-specifically; a high index of suspicion is essential to ensure prompt identification and treatment. Empiric antibiotic therapy should cover Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and streptococcus. Patients should be evaluated for adjacent osteomyelitis

Purpose: To describe the pre- and one-year post-operative preference-based, health related quality of life (health state values) among a cohort of subjects with end-stage ankle arthritis treated with total ankle arthroplasty or ankle arthrodesis. This short-term study is not intended to compare the efficacy of arthoplasty and arthrodesis. Method: The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) was prospectively completed by subjects enrolled in the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Multicentered Ankle Arthritis Outcome Study between 2003 and 2005. Preference-based quality of life was assessed pre-operatively and at one-year post-procedure using health state values (HSVs) derived from the SF-36 transformation described by Brazier (SF-6D). The SF-6D scores are anchored at 1.0 (full health) and at 0 (death). Basic patient demographic and treatment information was also collected. The decision to perform arthroplasty or arthrodesis was made by the attending surgeon. Results: Two hundred four of the 214 eligible subjects had complete preoperative SF-36 data to allow transformation to SF-6D values. One-year follow-up was available for 114 of the participants. The mean age at surgery of the included subjects was 58.9 +/− 13.3 years. Of the patients with one-year follow-up, 56% were male and 59% had received total ankle arthroplasty. These demographics did not differ from the original preoperative cohort. The mean SF-6D score among all subjects with end-stage ankle arthrosis was 0.66 (95% CI 0.65 – 0.68). At one-year, the mean HSVs of the total ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis groups were 0.73 (95% CI 0.71 – 0.76) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.70 – 0.75), respectively. The reported pre-operative scores describe health states below normative data for the US population (0.76 +/− 0.01 for females, ages 55–64). Conclusion: These are the first available HSVs for a cohort of patients with end-stage ankle arthritis treated with total ankle arthroplasty or ankle arthrodesis. These data demonstrate an improvement in preference-based quality of life following ankle arthroplasty or arthrodesis. At one-year follow-up, patient reported HSVs approach age-matched US norms

Summary: The SF-36, FFI, AOS and the AOFAS AHS were recorded pre and post-operatively in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. Comparison of responsiveness shows the AOFAS score to be completely unresponsive. Introduction: Outcome studies should include both general health and disease specific measures. The Short Form 36 (SF36) is validated and widely used in musculoskeletal disease. A number of disease specific scores are available for the foot and ankle but, at present there is no widely agreed and validated score used specifically in end-stage ankle arthritis (EAA). Methods: 555 sets of pre and post-operative data on 239 EAA patients undergoing definitive treatment have been collected. The SF36 and three widely used Foot and Ankle scores (Foot Function Index (FFI), AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Score (AHS) and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS)) were recorded. We assessed the responsiveness (Standardized Response Mean (SRM) and Effect Size (ES)) and correlation (Spearman Rank Correlation) of each of the above scores. Results: The SF36, FFI and AOS responded to change and correlated in sub-scale and total scores. The AHS did not respond to change in pain or total scores and did not correlate with any other score. Using the three responsive scores there was a significant improvement in outcome with operative intervention (p< 0.0001) with each score. Using the SRM and the ES, the AOS showed the highest level of responsiveness. It also showed an increased response rate suggesting that patients find it more useable. Conclusion: In future studies we would recommend the use of the SF36 and the AOS for assessment of patients with EAA. We would also discourage use of the AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Score which we have demonstrated to be unresponsive to change

End-stage ankle arthritis (ESAA) is a debilitating disease that does not affect all individuals equally. Gender differences have been identified in patients with end-stage hip and knee arthritis and have stimulated research to explain these findings. The present study was undertaken to examine if gender has a significant effect on pre-operative disability and post-operative outcomes in patients with ESAA. Patients undergoing ankle arthrodesis (AA) or total ankle replacement (TAR) with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified in the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society prospective ankle reconstruction database. Demographic data, revision data, patient satisfaction questionnaires, and outcome data using the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and Short-form 36 (SF-36) health survey were collected. TAR: 384 patients were included, with 198 females and 186 males. Patient BMI, comorbidities, and duration of follow-up were similar between groups. Males were slightly older at the time of surgery (65.1 vs 62.4 years, p=0.01)). The most common etiology was post-traumatic arthritis for both genders, however females had a higher rate of rheumatoid arthritis (17% vs 5%, p=0.001). Implant types included STAR, Hintegra, and Mobility, and were similar between groups. Preoperatively females had higher rates of pain and disability, demonstrated by lower SF-36 physical component scores (PCS) (31.0 vs 34.5, p<0.001), and higher AOS pain (54.7 vs 51.1, p=0.05) and AOS disability scores (66.5 vs 59.6, p<0.001). Postoperatively, both groups had significant improvement in PCS, AOS pain, and AOS disability scores. Females, however, continued to demonstrate lower PCS scores (38.3 vs 41.9, p<0.001) and higher AOS disability (31.0 vs 25.8, p=0.02) than males. Regression analysis found that preoperative PCS, gender, age, and arthritis etiology all had a significant impact on postoperative PCS scores, with preoperative PCS scores having the largest impact. Preoperative AOS pain and disability scores had the largest impact on postoperative AOS pain and disability scores, respectively. Gender had no significant impact on AOS pain and disability scores postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was similar between males and females postoperatively. Secondary surgery was performed in 13.6% of females and 16.1% of males. Five males and five females underwent revision to arthrodesis. In patients with ESAA, females tend to have higher pre-operative levels of pain and disability compared to males, which persists post-operatively. This is consistent with the hip and knee arthroplasty literature. This finding may be due to females undergoing surgery at more advanced disease states, arthritis etiology, referral bias, or treatment bias. Both males and females have significant and similar degrees of improvement in pain and disability scores after TAR, and reoperation rates and patient satisfaction rates are similar despite the apparent disparity in outcomes

Aim and Purpose of the study. The authors evaluate the efficacy of athrodiatasis as possible alternative to arthrodesis or arthroplasty in the treatment of ankle arthritis in young patients. They present the long term results (average 19 years) of a small series of patients (10 cases) treated with a monolateral transarticular external fixator associated to different open or athroscopic procedures. Material and Methodology. The patients have been revaluated with the Kitaoka scoring scale associated to the x-ray evaluation. The authors will compare these results with those reported for the same series at an early evaluation (2,5 y of follow up) and with those published in literature. Discussion. Arthrodiatasis of the ankle with distraction and movement of the joint under weightbearing can guarantee an intermittent Hydrostatic pressure that has a trophyc effect on residual cartilage. In 1995 a new interest in ankle distraction was promoted by a very active Duch group which in few years demonstrated that there was still space for this indication as alternative to the arthrodesis in very young and active patients because the functional and physical impairment, the pain and mobility of this joint can be improved also after the first year of follow up. Our good results with the same approach seems to confirm their conclusions after a long term follow –up even if there is no correlation between the functional and radiological findings. It is important to underline that frequently is necessary to associate to arthrodiatasis other ancillary arthroscopic or open procedures in order to optimise the results. Conclusion. Arthodiatasis as possible alternative to arthrodesis or arthroplasty in the treatment of ankle arthritis is still a valid option in selected cases because can guarantee good functional results even at a long term follow-up

Purpose: 1/ To compare patients treated with both ankle arthroplasty or ankle fusion using validated functional outcome measures and a computerized motion analysis system that measures three-dimensional kinematics and temporal data. 2/ To compare the functional outcome and gait mechanics of ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis to a healthy control group. Methods: Fifteen patients underwent seventeen ankle arthroplasties with the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR), twenty-three patients underwent ankle arthrodesis, and twenty-three healthy control patients were enrolled in this study. Assessment included: 1/ Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and general health status (SF-36). 2/ Gait data, including temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters using a seven-camera VICON 370 system (Oxford Metrics, UK). Comparison between groups was done using one-way ANOVA post hoc Bonferroni (p< 0.05). Results: Kinematic gait parameters for post-op arthrodesis, post-op arthroplasty and a control group are summarized in Table 1. Postoperative arthrodesis patients had significantly reduced ankle range of motion in the sagittal and frontal plane when compared to both postoperative arthroplasty patients and a control group (p< 0.05). Forefoot range of motion was also significantly reduced in the sagittal and frontal planes for arthrodesis patients when compared to the control group, however there were no significant differences between patient groups or between arthroplasty patients and controls (p< 0.05).|Functional questionnaire (AOS) data for the three groups is summarized in Table 2. There were no significant differences in patient perception of pain and disability, however AOS scores compared between arthrodesis patients and a control group were significant (p< 0.05). No difference was noted in AOS scores between ankle arthroplasty and control patients at one year post operative. Conclusions: Functional outcome analysis of treatment methods of end-stage ankle arthritis clearly shows the advantage of ankle arthroplasty over arthrodesis when comparing kinematic and outcome questionnaire data against controls. The results of this study will help determine the best surgical treatment for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis failing non-operative treatment

Purpose: Methods: Evaluation of the results of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, performed in 49 consecutive patients (52 ankles), with disabling ankle arthritis, between 08/1998 and 12/2004. Thirty ankles had no significant deformity (group A), whereas 22 ankles had a varus or valgus deformity greater than 10° (mean 21.7°, max 45°) (group B). Mean age in groups A and B was 49.7 and 57.5 years respectively (p=0.15). The primary diagnosis in groups A and B was post-traumatic arthritis in 66% and 27% and idiopathic osteoarthritis in 17% and 59%, respectively. Average hospital stay was 3.63 and 3.68 days in groups A and B respectively (p=0.96). Postoperative treatment included ankle immobilization for 3 months. Progressive weight-bearing was initiated at two weeks. Mean follow-up was 14.9 months (range 6–60). Results: No infections or neurovascular problems occurred. Fusion occurred in 29/30 cases in group A at an average time of 11.52±5.2 weeks and in 21/22 patients at 11.67±2.3 weeks in group B (p=0.89). Not planned surgical procedures were required in eight cases (15.4%). Symptomatic arthritis from the adjacent joints developed in three cases during the follow-up period. The arthrodesis position angle measured in the sagittal plane from the lateral post-operative plane film averaged 105°±3° and 103°±6° in groups A and B respectively (p=0.27). The outcome in groups A and B was graded as very good in 73% and 72.7%, fair in 23% and 22.7% and poor in one case in each group, respectively (p=0.26). Conclusions: The arthroscopic technique offers a high fusion rate, decreased time to fusion, short hospital stay and absence of limb-threatening complications. Deformity correction can be attempted with equally good results

Patients often comment on swelling after foot and ankle surgery. However the relationship between swelling and outcome (pain and function) has not previously been outlined. A recent study by Pinsker and Daniels demonstrated that while swelling was rated as important by patients it was rarely included in outcome scores. The purpose of this paper was to determine the relationship between swelling and outcome after ankle fusion or replacement. A secondary purpose was to determine how this relationship changed in time, how swelling score changed before and after surgery, and determine differences in swelling score between total ankle replacement (TAR), open ankle arthrodesis (OAA) and arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA). The COFAS prospective ankle arthritis database enrolls patients in 4 centers undergoing surgery by one of 6 surgeons since 2002. The MODEMS outcomes package from AAOS was used, with the validated ankle osteoarthritis score (AOS) score being used to assess outcomes in the pain and disability domains. The swelling score was indexed from 1 to 5, 1 being no swelling and 5 being severe swelling. Outcomes were recorded preoperatively and annually up to 2010. Statistical analysis was performed using 95% confidence intervals and correlations being determined using Pearson's correlation and r2 values. The swelling score was correlated with AOS score with an r2 of 0.13 for postoperative patients. With the swelling score analysed categorically the difference of outcome was significant with a mean AOS score of 15.1 (CI 13.3 to 16.9) for a swelling score of 1, 23 (CI 21.7 to 24.9) for a swelling score of 2, 31 (CI 29.6 to 33.1) for 33.6 (CI 34.9 to 38.8) for 4, and 39 (CI 35.3 to 43.0) for 5. Swelling scores fell outside the 95% confidence intervals for all groups indicating that the AOS outcome of swelling score 5 patients was worse than the 4 group, 4 worse than 3, 3 worse than 2, and 2 worse than 1. Patients with swelling scores of 1 scored 24 points better than those with a swelling score of 5. Swelling scores were the same preoperatively for total ankle arthroplasty, Arthroscopic and open fusions. However swelling scores were lower for arthroscopic fusions after surgery for all time periods at an average of 2.1 (CI 1.9 to 2.2), compared to total ankle arthroplasty (2.5, CI 2.4 to 2.6) and open ankle fusion (2.5, CI 2.4 to 2.6). Swelling has a major relationship with outcome. Swelling may be the cause of poorer outcomes for open ankle fusion compared to arthroscopic. Swelling is an independent factor as swelling scores for TAA were higher compared to AAA despite similar outcomes. Arthroscopic surgery reduces the postoperative swelling. Methods to reduce swelling such as compression stockings, elevation, controlling bleeding may result in better outcomes. Minimising the invasiveness of surgery achieves this goal. Patient education about swelling, elevation and compression stockings would assist in these goals

The December 2023 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at: Subchondral bone cysts remodel after correction of varus deformity in ankle arthritis; 3D-printed modular endoprosthesis reconstruction following total calcanectomy; Percutaneous partial bone excision in the management of diabetic toe osteomyelitis; Hemiepiphysiodesis is a viable surgical option for Juvenile hallux valgus; Ankle arthroplasty vs arthrodesis: which comes out on top?; Patient-related risk factors for poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty; The Outcomes in Ankle Replacement Study

Ankle arthrodesis for isolated ankle arthritis has a high patient satisfaction level; however, gait analysis and functional outcome measurements demonstrate substantial disability. The high patient satisfaction may reflect the extent of disability present prior to the intervention. This study demonstrates that the presence of subtalar or talonavicular arthritis and/or limited motion is a negative predictor for a satisfactory outcome. The risk of developing arthritis of these joints increases with time and therefore the patient can expect a deterioration of their initial result. Ankle arthrodesis should be considered a salvage procedure. Viable alternatives that preserve motion should continue to be explored. The purpose of this study was to utilize gait analysis and validated outcome measures to assess the results of an ankle arthrodesis and compare these results to a healthy age – sex matched control group. Isolated Ankle arthrodesis has a high patient satisfaction rate; however, gait analysis and functional outcome scores demonstrate a significant difference when compared to controls. The presence of limited subtalar and midfoot motion and/or arthritis correlates with a poor clinical result. This study will help the clinician predict outcomes and better educate patients as to the expected results following ankle arthrodesis. Twenty-six patients with an isolated ankle arthrodesis underwent gait analysis and functional outcome assessment using AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale, MODEMS (includes SF-36) and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS). A radiographic analysis was preformed. Mean follow-up was 3.7 years. Results were compared to a group of twenty-six controls. Seventy-seven percent were satisfied and eighty-eight percent would recommend it to a friend. These perceived outcomes did not correlate well with their average Functional Outcome scores and gait analysis. The AOFAS score rated 46% as excellent or good. The MODEMS identified significant differences in Physical Function, Role-Physical and Physical Composite means when compared to controls. The AOS identified significant differences in Pain and Disability means. Gait analysis demonstrated significant differences in stride length, cadence, hip flexion, hindfoot flexion, hindfoot inversion and midfoot flexion. Decreased hindfoot and midfoot motion correlated with poorer outcome scores. Poor radiographic scores correlated with decreased hindfoot/midfoot motion and poorer clinical outcomes. Ankle arthrodesis should be considered a salvage procedure. Viable alternatives that preserve ankle motion should continue to be explored

A significant portion of ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis procedures performed in British Columbia are funded by the public medical services plan (MSP). However, some patients are treated privately through self-pay or by the workers compensation board (WCB), with the latter two groups being more likely to receive treatment sooner. The potential effect of payer on patient-reported outcomes and reoperation rates has not been previously explored.

A retrospective chart review was performed using data from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database. N=443 patients (393 MSP, 26 self-pay, 24 WCB), treated with total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis by three subspecialty-trained surgeons in Vancouver from 1999–2003, were analyzed. Outcomes were compared, by payer, preoperatively and at long-term follow-up (6.3 years, range 2–14 years). Function was assessed using the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) Total score (primary outcome) and the AOS Pain and Difficulty subscores. Expectation and satisfaction with symptoms was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management Scale, and physical and emotional quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey in terms of the mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS). Swelling and reoperation rates were also compared.

AOS Total score was not significantly different between payers. WCB patients had significantly worse preoperative AOS Difficulty scores (73, 95%CI 65–80) compared to MSP (65, CI 63–67) and self-pay patients (56, CI 49–63)(p < 0 .008). Their SF-36 MCS scores were also significantly worse pre- and postoperatively (WCB: 43, CI 38–49, 45, CI 40–50, MSP: 51, CI 50–52, 51, CI 50–52, self-pay: 51, CI 46–56, 54, CI 49–58)(p < 0 .03). AOS Pain scores and SF-36 PCS scores were not different. Pre- and postoperatively, MSP patients reported more satisfaction with symptoms (1.31, CI 1.24–1.38, 3.21, CI 3.07–3.35), compared to WCB (1.13, CI 0.84–1.41, 2.83, CI 2.26–3.41) and self-pay patients (1.19, CI 0.91–1.47, 2.88, CI 2.33–3.44). Preoperatively, WCB patients had the lowest expectations (76, CI 69–84), the worst AOS Total (64, CI 57–71) and SF-36 scores (MCS 43, CI 38–49, PCS 28, CI, 25–32), and the most swelling (3.5, CI 3.1–4). Conversely, self-pay patients had the highest preoperative expectations (88, CI 81–95), the best AOS Total (53, CI 46–60) and SF-36 scores (MCS 51, CI 46–56, PCS: 34, CI 30–37) and the least swelling (3, CI 2.6–3.4). Postoperatively, WCB and self-pay patients had lower expectations met (35, CI 23–47 and 40, CI 28–51) and worse AOS Total scores (36, CI 27–45 and 35, 26–43), compared to MSP patients (Expectations: 29, CI 26–32, AOS Total: 31, CI 29–33). Reoperation rates were similar among groups.

WCB patients had significantly more difficulty with symptoms prior to surgery and worse SF-36 MCS scores pre- and postoperatively. The preoperative expectations of WCB patients were lowest, while those of self-pay patients were highest. Both groups had lower expectations met postoperatively.

As an alternative to ankle replacement, ankle arthrodesis remains a mainstay in the treatment of end-stage arthritis. Arthroscopic techniques for ankle arthrodesis have more recently been developed, although there has been limited research exploring the cost of arthroscopic (AAA) versus open ankle arthrodesis (OAA), and comparing ankle fusions to replacement (TAA). We hypothesise that resource use after AAA will be lower than that after OAA, and both will be lower than TAA.

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. The COFAS database was used to identify patients with >2 years of follow up who have undergone AAA, OAA or Hintegra TAA at St Paul's Hospital between 2003–2010. Ninety patients with TAA, 52 with AAA and 56 with OAA met our inclusion criteria. The following data were documented: patient demographics (age, gender, presence of diabetes, inflammatory arthritis or any smoking history), factors related to the index surgery (type of surgery, OR time, length of stay) and factors relating to the post-operative course (number of post-operative clinic visits, OR time for re-operations, length of stay for additional hospital admissions).

In terms of the index surgery, AAA required less initial OR time compared to either OAA or TAA. Initial length of hospital stay was significantly longer for both TAA and OAA, compared to AAA. Patients attended more follow-up visits after TAA or OAA compared to after AAA. In terms of additional OR time required, no significant differences were found among the groups. The most common reason for re-operation was infection or wound breakdown (38% of re-operations), followed by removal of hardware (15%). TAA also required significantly more additional days in hospital compared to either OAA or AAA. For all significant comparisons, p < 0.05. For each primary TAA, on average an additional one hour of surgery, three days in hospital and seven clinic visits were required on top of the cost factored for the primary arthroplasty. For each primary AAA, an additional four clinic visits, 23 minutes of revision surgery and one day in hospital were required. For each primary OAA, an average additional five clinic visits, three minutes of OR time, and 0.2 days of additional hospital stay occurred during follow up.

Using several measures of resource use, we find that arthroscopic ankle fusions compare favourably to both ankle replacements and open ankle fusions. We also show that resource utilisation measurements can be a useful surrogate for complications, and that resource utilisation can demonstrate the practical implications of complications for patients, surgeons and health care resources.

Aims: To show that ankle fusion using an intra-medullary nail is effective with low morbidity and high patient satisfaction and improvement in postoperative AOFAS scores in selected patients. Methods: The þrst twenty ankle fusions performed with the Biomet intra-medullary nailing system by one surgeon were reviewed over a two year period. The Biomet system offers superior advantages, allowing longitudinal compression and posterior to anterior distal locking in the calcaneus.

Data sets were recorded for each patient. Information with regard to each patients age, sex, occupation, presenting complaint, mechanism of injury if applicable, index procedure if applicable, diabetic status, associated comorbidities and smoking habitus were recorded. The pre-operative and post-operative AOFAS score was also recorded for each patient. Results: All patients except one showed a marked improvement in their AOFAS score when treated with intra-medullary nail for ankle fusion. The average improvement in score was 150%. Morbidity from the procedure was low. There was one case of mortality not attributed to the nail. 19 out of 20 patients went on to solid fusion. Conclusion: The use of an intra-medullary nail for fusion of the ankle is a reliable technique in selected cases. AOFAS scores consistently improve, morbidity is low and fusion is usually successful. We would advocate this technique for fusion.

Introduction. Comparative studies examining Fixed-Bearing (FB) and Mobile-Bearing (MB) Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) designs have demonstrated similar results and successful long-term outcomes for both. To date there has been no study directly comparing FB and MB designs of the same prosthesis. We present the first prospective randomised trial comparing patient satisfaction, functional outcomes and radiographic results of the Salto Talaris Fixed-Bearing and the Salto Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Methods. A total of 108 adult patients with end-stage ankle arthritis were enrolled in the study between November 2014 and October 2021 with similar demographic comparison. Prospective patient-reported outcomes and standardised weightbearing ankle radiographs were performed preoperatively, at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post-operatively, followed by yearly intervals. All surgeries were performed by a single non-design orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist with experience in over 200 Salto and Salto Talaris TAR prior to the study. Radiographs were examined independently by two clinicians. Complete patient data and radiographs were available for 103 patients with an average follow up of 2 years. Results. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvement from preoperative evaluation to most recent follow up with no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all outcome measures. Radiographic incidence of subchondral cyst formation was 8.9% and 38.2% for FB and MB, respectively. Talar subsidence occurred in 2.2% and 5.5% of FB and MB, respectively. Discussion. Our study demonstrates a higher than previously reported rate of cyst formation in the MB TAR and comparatively higher talar subsidence in the MB TAR vs FB however this did not correlate with clinical outcome measures which were favourable for both groups. Conclusion. Fixed-Bearing and Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement demonstrate comparable favourable