Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society  2014;18(4):183-188

doi:10.14193/jkfas.2014.18.4.183

Early Weight Bearing Ambulation after Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis.

Yoon Chung KIM 1 ; Sung Wook CHO ; Jin Wha CHUNG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Ankle; Arthroscopy; Arthrodesis; Early weight bearing

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

PURPOSE: The accepted general management principle after ankle arthrodesis is to maintain non-weight bearing for 6 to 8 weeks. The aim of this study was to report clinical outcome of patients allowed early weight bearing after arthroscopic arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed medical records and radiographs to determine fusion rate and complication risk of 22 sequential patients allowed to walk under short leg cast within 3 days after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis using 2 screws from January 2008 to June 2012. The minimum follow-up period was 18 months, and the mean age of the patients was 67 years. RESULTS: The mean visual analog scale was decreased from 8.9 points preoperatively to 2.3 points after 12 months. Complete ankle fusion was achieved in 19 patients (86.4%) at 3-month follow-up. There were 2 cases of delayed union and one case of nonunion at 12-month follow-up. There was no other complication such as wound problem, persistent swelling of the ankle. CONCLUSION: Bony union may not be interfered even though patients were allowed to walk under cast within a few days after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.