OBJECTIVETo evaluate the short-term effects of ankle joint replacement for the patients with hemophilic arthritis. To find out the main points for improving the joint function and the patients' life quality. To accumulate more experience for clinical treatment.

METHODSThe Kofoed evaluation system and the AOFAS evaluation system were used to follow-up 6 hemophilic patients with ankle arthritis (6 males, ranging in age from 23 to 57 years, with an average of 41.2 years), who were treated with ankle joint replacement from 2004.7 to 2007.7. The scores before operation, and the 6th,12th months after operation were compared.

RESULTSThe Kofoed evaluation system showed the joint replacement significantly improved the scores for relieving pain, joint function, range of motion and the total score (P<0.05). Except the score for relieving pain, the other three also had significant differences between the 6th month and the 12th month after the operation (P<0.05). Compared with each details of the joint function, there was significant improvement before and after the operation (P<0.05). The ankle got more extended range of motion in the 12th month after operation than the 6th month (P<0.05). The AOFAS evaluation system showed the joint replacement significantly improved the scores for relieving pain, joint function, X-ray measurement and the total score (P<0.05). There was no differences between the 6th month after operation and the 12th month in the results for relieving pain and the X-ray measurement (P>0.05). However, the joint function and the total score had significant differences (P<0.05). Compared with each details of the joint function, there was also significant improvement before and after the operation (P< 0.05), and the walk distance, as well as the joint flexion and extension activities, had differences between the 6th month and the 12th month after the operation. Both of the two evaluation system showed the operation could get good curative effects (P< 0.05), and the artificial joint could constantly be in good condition from the 6th month to the 12th month after operation (P> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn this short-term observation, the joint replacement can significantly improve the life quality for the hemophilic patients with ankle arthritis.