To investigate the effectiveness of distraction therapy assisted by arthroscope in the treatment of ankle traumatic osteoarthritis.
Between October 2013 and October 2014, 13 patients with anlde traumatic osteoarthritis were treated, including 8 males and 5 females with an age range of 44-63 years (mean, 55.2 years). The left ankle and the right ankle were involved in 4 and 9 cases respectively. The disease duration was 1.5-10.0 years (median, 5 years). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot scale score was 51.00 +/- 7.09; the short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) score was 40.82 +/- 4.62. According to Scranton grade system, 9 cases were rated as grade II and 4 cases as grade III. First, ande hyperplasia osteophytes was removed under arthroscope, then Ilizarov apparatus was used to maintain distraction of 5-10 mm ande space for 3 months.
One case had postoperative pin tract infection after removing the external fixation, and infection was controlled by dressing treatment; no related complications occurred in the other patients. All patients got follow-up of 12-18 months (mean, 14.7 months). Patients achieved disappearance of ankle swelling, pain relief, and were able to walk after rehabilitation. The ankle activity was obviously improved. At last follow-up, AOFAS ankel-hind foot scale score and SF-36 score were significantly increased to 85.23 +/- 6.41 and 56.29 +/- 6.20 respectively (t=20.756, P=0.025; t=11.647, P=0.018). According to AOFAS scores, the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 8 cases, and fair in 1 case; the excellent and good rate was 92.3%. Postoperative X-ray film showed normal ankle position and alignment, osteophytes at the edges of the tibia and talus, articular surface sclerosis, normal joint space, and no joint swelling.
Distraction therapy assisted by arthroscope is an effective method for treating ankle traumatic osteoarthritis.