Midterm results of posterior arthroscopic ankle fusion

PURPOSE: The presented study was performed to evaluate the midterm clinical and radiological results and complication rates of the first 40 patients with an ankle fusion through a posterior arthroscopic approach. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with end-stage post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis were treated with posterior arthroscopic ankle fusion. All patients were assessed clinically as well as radiologically with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Foot Function Index (FFI) were used to assess clinical improvement. RESULTS: Clinical fusion was achieved in 40 patients within 3 months (100 %), and radiological fusion was achieved in 40 patients at 12 months. Two screw mal-placements occurred. Both complications were solved following revision surgery. A significant improvement was noted for both the FAAM [median 38 (range 17–56) to 63 (range 9–84)] and FFI scores [median 66 (range 31–89) to 32 (range 11–98)] for all 40 patients. CONCLUSION: The posterior arthroscopic ankle fusion is an effective and safe treatment option for end-stage post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis at midterm follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study, Level IV.