Results of Tibia and Fibula Osteotomies Performed Concomitant to Total Ankle Replacement

Abstract

Background:

Neutral ankle alignment along with medial and lateral support are paramount to the success of total ankle replacement (TAR). Fibula, intra-articular medial malleolus, and supramalleolar tibia osteotomies have been described to achieve these goals; however, the literature is scant with outcomes and union rates of these osteotomies performed concomitant to TAR. The purpose of this study was to describe our results.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who had a concomitant tibia, fibula, or combined tibia and fibula osteotomy at the same time as TAR. Routine radiographs were used to assess osteotomy union rates and changes in alignment. Outcomes questionnaires were evaluated preoperatively and at most recent follow-up. Twenty-six patients comprising 4% of the total TAR cohort were identified with a mean follow-up of 3.9 years.

Results:

There were 12 combined tibia and fibula osteotomies, 9 isolated tibia osteotomies, and 5 isolated fibula osteotomies. The union rate for these osteotomies was 92%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Mean coronal alignment improved from 15.2 to 2.1 degrees (P < .001). There was significant improvement in patient-reported outcome scores, including Short Form-36, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, and visual analog scale pain. There was 1 failure in the study.

Conclusion:

These data demonstrate successful use of tibia, fibula, or combined tibia and fibula osteotomies at the same time as TAR in order to gain neutral ankle alignment. The overall union rate was 96% with significant improvement in alignment, pain, and patient-reported outcomes. We believe concomitant osteotomies can be considered a successful adjunctive procedure to TAR.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.