Long-term results of ankle arthrodesis in children and adolescents with haemophilia.

INTRODUCTION

Ankle arthrodesis in patients with haemophilia is a joint-non-preserving treatment option often resulting in substantial pain relief and termination of haemarthrosis by osseous consolidating of the joint. However, limited data are available regarding ankle arthrodesis in young patients.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic results with a minimum follow-up of ten years in children with haemophilia who underwent ankle arthrodesis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the results of ankle fusions performed in young haemophiliacs in our department between 1980 and 2006. The Méary procedure was used for arthrodesis, performed on patients with closed growth plates. Only one patient had no fixation, due to being only six years old. The modified American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was calculated at last follow-up, and standard radiographic evaluations were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 22 ankles were analysed from 17 patients. The mean follow-up was 19.7 ± 8 years. The mean age of the patients was 15.5 (6-23) years at the time of index surgery. There were no intra-operative or peri-operative complications related to ankle arthrodesis. The mean modified AOFAS score at last follow-up was 83 ± 10.5. Radiographic assessment demonstrated solid osseous fusion at the arthrodesis site, with no axis deformities. Two patients developed secondary subtalar arthrosis, treated by subtalar arthrodesis six years after initial ankle arthrodesis in one case.

CONCLUSION

In our study, tibiotalar arthrodesis in young patients with haemophilia resulted in good long-term functional outcome with a low surgery-related complication rate.