Willems A, Minnaard M, Oei EHG, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Meuffels DE. Talocrural Arthrodesis Increases Osteoarthritis Severity in Adjacent Joints: A Midterm Computed Tomography Follow-Up Study.
Foot Ankle Spec 2023:19386400231208533. [PMID:
37919933 DOI:
10.1177/19386400231208533]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
After talocrural arthrodesis, adjacent joints (subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid) are often affected by osteoarthritis (OA)). It is unclear if OA is pre-existing to talocrural arthrodesis, or whether it develops after talocrural arthrodesis. This retrospective study is unique because it is the first study with preoperative and follow-up computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to investigate whether OA develops in adjacent joints after talocrural arthrodesis or if OA is already pre-existing. In addition, associations between degree of OA and patient-reported outcomes are investigated.
METHODS
Patients were selected from electronic files, and adjacent joint OA was assessed on preoperative CT and bilateral follow-up CT. Patient-reported outcomes were collected.
RESULTS
Twenty-three patients were included with an average follow-up time of 7 years (SD = 2). In participants without pre-existing OA, OA significantly progressed in all adjacent joints. In participants with pre-existing OA, OA progressed in the subtalar joint. Patient-reported outcomes were not correlated to OA.
CONCLUSIONS
Osteoarthritis in the adjacent joints progresses after talocrural arthrodesis, especially in participants without pre-existing OA. The severity of OA is not related to patient-reported outcomes. Therefore, the clinical impact of the progression of OA seems to be limited.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III: retrospective.
Collapse