Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.44(2) > 1012884

Chung, Lee, Jeong, and Park: Ankle Arthrodesis with using Variable Pitch Tapered Screws (Acutrak® Screw) Fixation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of open arthrodesis with using variable pitch tapered screws (Acutrak® screw) for treating ankle arthritis.

Materials and Methods

The subjects were 14 patients with 16 cases of performing ankle arthrodesis with using variable pitch tapered screws. Clinical evaluation was performed with using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot functional scale and the visual analogue scale pain score, and we assessed the postoperative complications and the patient's satisfaction. Radiological evaluation was performed by the assessing the time to union, the position of union, and the degenerative changes of the adjacent joints of the foot.

Results

The average follow-up period was 15 months. The ankle-hindfoot functional scale was improved from an average of 38.9 points (range: 27-57 points) preoperatively to an average of 77.3 points (range: 66-89 points) at the last follow up. The visual analogue scale pain score was decreased from an average of 7.9 (range: 3-10) to 2.9 (range: 0-5), and 13 cases (81%) were satisfied with the outcome of surgery. For all the cases, radiological union was obtained at an average of 11.2 weeks (range: 6-16 weeks).

Conclusion

We performed arthrodesis with using variable pitch tapered screws for treating ankle arthritis, and satisfactory short term results were obtained both clinically and radiologically.

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
(A) Ankle anteriorposterior and lateral radiography of 66 years old female with primary osteoarthritis. (B) Ankle arthrodesis with transarticular crossed screw fixation performed. At postoperative 10 weeks, ankle radiography showed fusion of ankle.
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Fig. 2
(A) Another radiography of ankle of 55 years old male with end stage primary osteoarthritis. (B) Radiographs taken 18 weeks after ankle arthrodesis showed solid fusion of the ankle.
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Table 1
Etiology of Ankle Fusion
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Table 2
Clinical Results of Ankle Fusion
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*AOFAS, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society.

Table 3
The Position of the Ankle before and after Arthrodesis
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