Study shows high union rate after anterior ankle plating for arthrodesis

TORONTO — Most patients who underwent anterior ankle plating for arthrodesis achieved fusion based on quantitated CT studies, according to results presented at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting.

Carroll P. Jones, MD, and colleagues retrospectively identified 190 patients who underwent anterior plating during a 7-year period and evaluated 92 patients for their study. Patients underwent CT scan to evaluate fusion at a follow-up of at least 3 months postoperatively, according to researchers, and were compared with 51 patients who underwent crossed-screw fixation. Researchers also assessed American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, Foot Function Index score, subjective satisfaction rating and complications.

Results showed an 86% union rate during a follow-up of at least 3 months postoperatively among patients who underwent anterior plating vs. a union rate of 78% among patients who underwent crossed-screw fixation. However, Jones noted this result was not statistically significant.

“Interestingly, but not surprising because we did not repair the lateral gutter, only 15% had a union between the talus and the fibula,” Jones noted.

He added 73% of patients in the anterior plating group had good to excellent satisfaction results. Jones stated only one patient had lateral gutter pain, there were no significant wound complications and four patients had tibial stress fractures, of which one required revision fixation. – by Casey Tingle

Reference:

Jones CP, et al. CT scan outcomes of ankle arthrodesis with anterior plating. Presented at: American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting; July 21-23, 2016; Toronto.

Disclosure: Jones reports support from Don Joy Orthopedics, Arthrex and Wright Medical.