Management of early ankle osteoarthritis through anterior joint-preserving surgery: a retrospective evaluation at mid- to long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE

Chronic anterior ankle pain is a recognized and straightforward characteristic of anterior impingement syndrome. This retrospective study aims to evaluate outcomes, clinical and radiological results in patients affected by anterior ankle impingement, in a context of early osteoarthritis, and treated with mini-open anterior ankle arthrolysis, in the perspective to delay or avoid other demolitive surgical options, such as total ankle replacement and joint fusion.

METHODS

In total, 49 patients (50 feet, mean age 45 years) undergone mini-open anterior ankle arthrolysis for anterior impingement, fulfilled inclusion criteria and gave their consent and have been enlisted in the study. Patients were retrospectively reviewed with AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and SF-36 score at a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A marked improvement was noticed in terms of preoperative clinical score (mean AOFAS score 47.32 ± 17.89) compared to follow-up clinical score (mean AOFAS score 70.66 ± 16.62; p < 0.005), and all of 8 SF-36 domains showed statistically improved (p < 0.05) from preoperative to follow-up. Statistical significance has been shown.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to consider the mini-open anterior arthrolysis, thanks to the reduction of the painful symptomatology, a valid tool for procrastinating more invasive interventions such as arthrodesis or prosthetic replacement in patients with grade 1 or 2 of ankle osteoarthritis.