Autologous osteophyte grafting for ankle arthrodesis

Purpose: Various graft sources had been identified to facilitate gap-filling in ankle arthrodesis procedures with related articular defects. This was a preliminary study with the aim of analyzing the efficacy and feasibility of using autologous osteophyte as a grafting source. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of ten patients having ankle arthrodesis procedure using identical anterior approach and plate fixation technique was conducted. Basic anthropometric measurements and underlying disease were recorded. Functional outcome and fusion rate were assessed at a 12-month post-surgery follow-up visit. Results: The underlying diseases include primary osteoarthritis (OA), post-traumatic OA, rheumatoid arthritis, and Charcot arthropathy. The patient’s age mean was 56.6 years (range 36–71 years), and BMI varied from 17.9 kg/m(2) to 29.3 kg/m(2). Nearly all patients had improved functional outcomes as described by foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) score and fusion rate as described by modified radiographic union score for tibia (RUST). One patient had failed surgery due to implant failure with diminished protective foot sensory. Conclusion: Osteophytes from the distal tibia and talar neck were a viable source of bone graft, especially for ankle arthrodesis using anterior approach among various ages and BMI, in which the surgeons would not need additional incision for graft harvesting.