Hindfoot fusion in haemophilic arthropathy: 6-year mean follow-up of 41 procedures performed in 28 adult patients.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle is rare disorder caused by recurrent haemarthorses beginning in early adulthood.

AIM:

Our aim was to evaluate the fusion rate of various techniques of hindfoot fusion using internal fixation for the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy of the hindfoot.

METHODS:

We have evaluated the fusion rate of various techniques of hindfoot (tibiotalar and subtalar joints) fusion for the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy of the hindfoot. Twenty-eight patients underwent a total of 41 procedures. Thirty-four ankle (tibiotalar) fusions were performed, seven were done arthroscopically, six using a minimal access approach and 21 with an open approach. There were two isolated subtalar fusions, three combined tibiotalar and subtalar fusions, one of which included a talonavicular fusion at the second operation. There was one peritalar ankle fusion (tibiotalar, subtalar and talonavicular). The mean age at operation was 40.3 years (SD, 12.3; range, 18.7-65.7 years). The mean time to last follow-up was 77 months (SD, 50.4; range, 7-190).

RESULTS:

The overall non-union rate was 9.7%. All non-unions occurred in tibiotalar fusions (there were no non-unions in cases of subtalar or talonavicular fusion). A single deep infection (2.4%) occurred in an arthroscopically fused ankle. The revision rate was 4.8% (2 cases) and was carried out for non-unions. Both revisions were successful.

CONCLUSION:

Hindfoot arthrodesis in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy provides a high fusion rate with few complications. Arthroscopic tibiotalar fusion did not result in shorter hospital stays. Revision surgery for the haemophilic hindfoot is successful, and fusion of the entire hindfoot can be achieved without complications.

• Authors: M Brkljac, S Shah, C Hay, E C Rodriguez-Merchan
• Journal: Haemophilia : the official journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia (Haemophilia) Vol. 22 Issue 2 Pg. e87-e98 (Mar 2016) ISSN: 1365-2516 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28071847 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Ankle (abnormalities)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hemophilia A (surgery)
• Humans
• Joint Diseases (surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Plastic Surgery Procedures
• Tibia (abnormalities, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult