Outcome Comparison of Arthroscopic versus Mini-open Technique for Ankle Arthrodesis

Abstract

Background Ankle arthrodesis is considered to be the gold standard for the treatment of end-stage ankle diseases. At present, the commonly used methods of ankle arthrodesis include open ankle arthrodesis, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis. The authors analyze and compare the clinical efficacy and related complications of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of end-stage ankle disease. Methods From January 2007 to June 2018, 56 patents with end-stage ankle joint pathology were treated with arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis. There were 30 cases in arthroscopy group, including 19 males and 11 females with an average age of 49.6 years old (ranged, 32 to 71); while 26 cases in mini-open group, including 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 48.3 years old (ranged, 43 to 65). The operative time was calculated with use of computerized operative and anesthetic records. The pain visual analogue score (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot ༆ Ankle Society ankle and hind foot score (AOFAS), fusion rate, complications rate, length of hospital stay, operation time, and tourniquet time were compared between the two groups of patients. Results 51 patients were followed up for 15–35 months (mean, 22.5 ± 1.5) months. The bony fusion was achieved in all patients. The average time to fusion was 12.4 weeks (range, 10–16 weeks). The VAS score 3 days post-operation was (6.37 ± 0.69) points in the arthroscopy group and (7.61 ± 1.05) points in the mini-open group, there was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The VAS score and AOFAS score between the two groups pre- and post-operation have statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, VAS score was (1.55 ± 0.57) in the arthroscopy group and (1.43 ± 0.73) in the mini-open group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The AOFAS score was (85.32 ± 2.96) points in the arthroscopy group and (86.72 ± 3.05) points in the mini-open group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Arthroscopic ankle fusion was associated with a shorter tourniquet time and shorter length of hospital stay compared to mini-open ankle fusion (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of operation time (P > 0.05). Wounds healing was satisfying during the follow-up in the arthroscopy group. But the wounds healing was delayed in two patients of the small incision group. All patients were satisfied with the surgery. Conclusion Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis and mini-open ankle arthrodesis have satisfactory curative effect and fusion rate. Arthroscopic assisted ankle arthrodesis has more advantages, including small incision, less injury, and low morbidity.