Ankle arthroplasty in a patient with bleeding diathesis and the mid-term clinical outcome of the case

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report was to present the case of a patient with bleeding diathesis on whom we performed ankle arthroplasty for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 29-year old male patient with bleeding diathesis, who had been treated and followed up over a long period, underwent ankle arthroplasty because of osteoarthritis of the ankle. The patient was prepared for surgery by the haematology department in accordance with the guidelines for surgical preparation, diagnosis and management of haemophilia. After ankle arthroplasty was performed, the preoperative and two-year postoperative clinical outcomes were evaluated using a subjective foot score and Maryland foot score. RESULTS: Preoperative factor VIII levels were raised to the target level of haemostasis prior to the surgical procedure. The factor VIII levels were maintained within the normal range up to postoperative day 14. The subjective foot score of the patient was 40 preoperatively and 85 postoperatively, whereas their Maryland foot scores were 33 preoperatively and 90 postoperatively. Both scoring systems indicate an excellent clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: As observed, the early and mid-term functional outcomes are promising for patients with bleeding diathesis who undergo ankle arthroplasty.