Activity Following Ankle Arthrodesis

Abstract

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthrodesis (AA) is frequently employed in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis, which is common following trauma and athletic injuries. While AA remains a popular therapeutic option, little data exists about activity and sporting capacity following AA. The objective of this research was to determine functional outcomes and sporting activity levels in patients following AA. Methods: Validated questionnaires were emailed to 35 patients with a history of AA at an average follow-up of 52 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), as well as the associated FADI-Sport. Responses were compared to those from a control population of 24 patients scheduled for AA, at an average preoperative visit of 3 months. Activity levels were assessed prior to injury as well as pre- and post-operatively using the Tegner activity level scale. Results: Average Tegner scores of the 35 surgical patients decreased from 3.82 (SE±0.38) before their injury, to 1.15 (SE±0.19) immediately pre-op, with recovery to 2.67 (SE±0.26) following fusion. Average post arthrodesis FADI and FADI-sport scores in our patients were 76.5% (SE±3.19%) and 33.8% (SE±23.06%). For the preoperative control population, corresponding scores were 47.41% (SE=2.61%) and 22.24% (SE=1.03%). Conclusion: Following AA, we found that patients improved upon their pre-op Tegner score, although they did not return to their before injury level of sporting participation. Additionally, patients reported that they had no current dysfunction with their lower leg. Thus, patients undergoing AA should expect improved lower leg function, though will not likely return to their pre-injury level of activity.