LONG-TERM INFLUENCE OF ANKLE ARTHRODESIS ON THE FOOT

A functional assessment of fifty patients after ankle arthrodesis for post traumatic arthritis was carried out by means of an extensive clinical evaluation after an average follow-up of nine years. The data on position of ankle arthrodesis and gait analysis were examined to determine the effect of arthrodesis of the ankle on the subtalar and small joints of the foot. The Duquennoy point system was used to grade the ankle clinically and a new radiological method to determine the sagittal position of the ankle arthrodesis was developed. Equinus position was related with clinical damage on sub talar joint, and anterior cavus foot (92,8 per cent). This position was related with metatarsalgia in 26,9 per cent. Calcaneus position was related with posterior cavus foot (verticalisation of the calcaneus). This position was related with the best functional results on walking, jumping and running. Clinical relevance : this study has showed that the ideal position of fusion of the ankle was neutral or slight flexion, slight valgus angulation of the hind part of the foot and 10 degrees of external rotation.