Preoperative incongruent subtalar joint predicts less favorable clinical outcome in total ankle arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the clinical effect of incongruent subtalar joint space on total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).

Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients who underwent TAA were grouped according to the status of subtalar joint incongruency. A comparison of clinical and radiographic parameters between groups as well as multiple regression analysis was performed to identify contributing factors to the final functional outcome.

Results: The final American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was significantly higher in the congruent group compared to that of the incongruent group (p = 0.007). There were no significant differences between the two groups in measured radiographic angles. In multiple regression analysis, the female sex (p = 0.006) and incongruency of the subtalar joint (p = 0.013) were found to be significant contributing factors to the final AOFAS score.

Conclusions: A thorough preoperative investigation should be taken into the state of the subtalar joint for TAA.

Keywords: Arthritis; Clinical outcome; Subtalar joint; Total ankle arthroplasty.