Article

Arthrodesis is a well-established treatment option for end-stage
osteoarthritis of the ankle. Osteoarthritis of the ankle can alter plantar
pressure distribution. However, surprisingly little is known about the effect of
ankle arthrodesis to alter plantar pressure distribution. The purpose of this
study was to determine plantar pressure distribution in a selected group of
patients with unilateral arthrodesis of the ankle joint. METHODS: 20 patients
with an average age of 60 years who underwent isolated unilateral ankle
arthrodesis using a 3-crossed screw technique by a single surgeon were included.
After a mean of 25 months (range 12-75 months) post surgery plantar pressure
distribution was determined in five regions of the foot. The outcome was
evaluated clinically, using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
hindfoot score, as well as radiographically. The contralateral normal foot was
used as a control. FINDINGS: Comparing the foot that underwent tibiotalar
arthrodesis to the contralateral normal foot, differences were found in the peak
pressure and maximum force in the toe region and the lateral midfoot region. In
addition, a decrease in the contact time in the forefoot region and a decrease of
the contact area in the toe region of the operated foot were identified. The
other regions did not show a significant difference. The mean American
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of the operated leg was 79 (range 46-92)
at the last follow up, and the mean fixation angle of the arthrodesis on lateral
weight bearing radiographs was 90 degrees (range 86 degrees -100 degrees ).
INTERPRETATION: Our results indicate that arthrodesis of the ankle joint can
provide high levels of function with minimal changes in the plantar pressure
distribution.
CI - Crown Copyright (c) 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS