Pathogenesis of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis of the Ankle

Orthop Clin North Am. 2019 Oct;50(4):529-537. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2019.05.008.

Abstract

Ankle osteoarthritis affects a significant portion of the global adult population. Unlike other joints, arthritis of the ankle often develops as a response to traumatic injury (intra-articular fracture) of the ankle joints. The full mechanism leading to posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle (PTOAA) is poorly understood. These deficits in knowledge pose challenges in the management of the disease. Adequate surgical reduction of fractured ankle joints remains the gold standard in prevention. The purpose of this review is to thoroughly delineate the known pathogenesis of PTOAA, and provide critical updates on this pathology and new avenues to provide therapeutic management of the disease.

Keywords: Ankle; Arthritis; Fracture; Osteoarthritis; Pilon; Posttraumatic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Fractures / complications*
  • Ankle Fractures / metabolism
  • Ankle Fractures / surgery*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Disease Management
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Osteoarthritis / metabolism
  • Osteoarthritis / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome