TITLE:
Ankle Arthrodesis in the Treatment of Neglected Ankle Fractures
AUTHORS:
M’bra Kouamé Innocent, Krah Koffi Leopold, Kouassi Kouamé Jean-Eric, Yao Loukou Blaise, Akobé Jean Regis Achie, Ochou Pierre Germain Jr, Sery Bada Justin Léopold, Kouassi Aya Adélaïde, Michel Kodo
KEYWORDS:
Arthrodesis, Ankle, Neglected Fracture, Osteosynthesis, Traditional Healers
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.12 No.4,
April
12,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Neglected ankle fractures are common in our regions. Patients first
consult traditional healers and it is when the signs
persist that they consult the surgeon for a
swollen and painful ankle. Initially we always performed anatomical repairs with osteosynthesis,
but the majority of patients still complained of pain and disability. We
wondered whether a primary arthrodesis would not be indicated in old ankle
fractures to avoid disabling pain for patients. We therefore performed a series
of arthrodesis on neglected post-traumatic ankles. The objective of our
study was to describe the results of arthrodesis on an old post-traumatic ankle and to propose a therapeutic indication in the
face of any neglected ankle fracture. Material and Method: This was a
prospective study over 8 years between December 2012 and November 2020, involving 36 cases of neglected ankle fractures
treated by arthrodesis using Meary’s technique. We used AOFAS (American
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score) preoperatively and postoperatively for
an objective assessment. Results: The average follow-up was 4.2 years
and our results were satisfactory (94.4%) with
an average AOFAS score ranging from 27.8 preoperatively to 76.7
postoperatively. The fusion rate was 97.2%. Discussion: Arthrodesis appears here as an important alternative in the
treatment of neglected ankle fractures with significant trophic disorders.