Midterm results of posterior arthroscopic ankle fusion

Purpose The presented study was performed to evaluate the midterm clinical and radiological results and complication rates of the first 40 patients with an ankle fusion through a posterior arthroscopic approach. Methods Forty consecutive patients with end-stage post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis were treated with posterior arthroscopic ankle fusion. All patients were assessed clinically as well as radiologically with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Foot Function Index (FFI) were used to assess clinical improvement. Results Clinical fusion was achieved in 40 patients within 3 months (100 %), and radiological fusion was achieved in 40 patients at 12 months. Two screw mal-placements occurred. Both complications were solved following revision surgery. A significant improvement was noted for both the FAAM [median 38 (range 17–56) to 63 (range 9–84)] and FFI scores [median 66 (range 31–89) to 32 (range 11–98)] for all 40 patients. Conclusion The posterior arthroscopic ankle fusion is an effective and safe treatment option for end-stage post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis at midterm follow-up. Level of evidence Prospective cohort study, Level IV.