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Arthroscopically assisted ankle fusion in patients with end-stage tuberculosis.

Tang KL, Li QH, Chen GX, Guo L, Dai G, Yang L

Centre for Joint Surgery, Orthopaedics Department, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China. tangkanglai@hotmail.com

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopically assisted ankle fusion in patients with end-stage tuberculosis. METHODS: Ten patients, all with end-stage tuberculosis, were operated on by arthroscopically assisted ankle fusion, and a half-ring sulcated external fixator was used. Partial weight-bearing was started on the fourth day. The clinical results were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score. Ankle fusion was proved by radiographs. RESULTS: At the mean follow-up of 23 months, all fusions were healed; the mean time to radiologic healing was 14.5 weeks. The final American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was 66 points. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopically assisted debridement and ankle arthrodesis with an external fixator provided a very satisfactory rate of ankle fusion in 10 patients who had no recurrences or other complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Published 17 September 2007 in Arthroscopy, 23(9): 919-22.
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