To evaluate and compare complication rates and postoperative outcomes in patients with ankle debridement alone vs. debridement and hinged ankle distraction arthroplasty.
A total of 50 patients with posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (OA) with a mean age of 40.0 ± 8.5 years were included into this prospective randomized study: 25 patients in ankle debridement alone group and 25 patients in debridement and hinged ankle distraction group. The mean follow-up was 46 ± 12 months (range 36-78 months). The clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at the 6-month and 3-year follow-up using the visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, SF-36 quality of life score, and van Dijk OA classification. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to calculate the 3-year and 5-year survival rates.
Both patient groups experienced significant pain relief, functional improvement, and improvement in quality of life postoperatively. In total, 26 major secondary procedures were performed. The overall survival rates in the debridement and ankle distraction group were 19 of 25 (74%) and 15 of 25 (59%) at 3 years and 5 years, respectively. The overall survival rates in the ankle debridement alone group were 12 of 25 (49%) and 9 of 25 (34%) at 3 years and 5 years, respectively.
Randomized controlled study, Level I.
The study demonstrated comparable postoperative functional outcome and quality of life. However, rate of postoperative revision surgery was substantially higher in ankle debridement alone group.