Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Background: Ankle arthritis is a debilitating condition. It presents with pain and deformity of the ankle and severely affects the patient{u2019}s quality of life. Post traumatic arthritis is the most common cause representing 70% of cases. It is critical to exhaust an extensive course of non-surgical treatment prior to offering surgical options. After failed non-operative management, ankle arthrodesis has long been an effective surgical option for tibiotalar arthrosis to eliminate pain and deformity of the degenerated ankle joint. Multiple techniques for ankle fusion have been described, including open fusion and in situ fusion. Arthroscopic arthrodesis has been used mainly for in situ fusion of arthritic ankles without deformity. Objectives: Aim of this study is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic ankle fusion for cases of ankle arthritis and foot drop using American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) scoring system. Patients and methods: A prospective study was carried out on 31 patients with ankle disorders requiring arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. All cases were selected from the foot and ankle and general orthopedic outpatient clinic of Cairo University. Patients were evaluated pre and postoperatively using AOFAS score and followed up for one year.Results: The mean pain, activity, walking distance, walking surfaces, gait, stability, alignment and total scores were significantly improved in the final follow up as compared to preoperative scores

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