A Comparative Study of Foot Range of Motion and Activities of Daily Living Status of Patients Following Ankle Arthrodesis and Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

J Foot Ankle Surg. 2023 May-Jun;62(3):519-523. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2022.12.007. Epub 2022 Dec 29.

Abstract

Subtalar arthrodesis in addition to ankle arthrodesis (AA) should have effect on foot motion and functional capabilities pertaining to activities of daily living (ADL); however, it is not well characterized. We compared the foot range of motion and ADL-related functional capabilities between patients who had undergone AA and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTC). Twenty-one AA patients and 10 TTC patients were enrolled. Foot sagittal motion arc was measured by radiographs. Patient satisfaction, ADL, footwear restriction, and rating scale scores were compared between the 2 groups. The mean sagittal motion arc in the AA group (23.5 ± 6.2°) was significantly greater than that in the TTC group (15.3 ± 3.5°). Patient satisfaction and overall ADL status was comparable in the 2 groups. Difficulties in climbing stairs, wearing rubber boots, and sitting in cross-legged position were more frequently reported in the TTC group. Our findings may be valuable for both surgeons and patients in predicting post-treatment ADL status and avoiding over expectations.

Keywords: ankle fusion; hindfoot arthrodesis; radiographical measurement.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Ankle Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Joint / surgery
  • Ankle*
  • Arthrodesis
  • Humans
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome