Since 1984, We have performed total ankle joint replacement on five patients with severely damaged ankle joints. Four of them had rheumatoid arthritis; the fifth had osteoarthritis of the ankle. The average follow-up period after surgery was 2 years, ranging from 6 months to 6 years and 3 months. This report describes the clinical results and radiological findings at the time of follow-up.
The clinical results were evaluated using the scoring system created by the Japan Orthopedic Association (highest score: 65 points). The average pre-operative and post-operative scores were 18.2 and 42.2 points, respectively, an improvement ratio of 56.6%. The greatest improvements were seen in reduction of pain and deformity and improvement in the ability to walk.
Radiological findings of sinking were observed in only one case, that which hads a follow up at 6 years and 3 months. No abnormal findings were seen in the other cases.
Previously we used joint fusion for the treatment of severely damaged ankle joints. However, our experience indicates that total ankle joint replacement produces better results in pain relief and the ability to walk. However, due to short period of follow-up in our study, careful observation is still needed before making any conclusions.
