Comparative results of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis vs. open arthrodesis in patients with diabetes-associated Charcot Neuro-Arthropathy.

Background: Several studies demonstrated a considerable complication rate for open ankle or TTC arthrodesis in patients with diabetes, revision surgery and ulceration. Extensive approaches in combination with multimorbide patients have been suggested as the rationale behind the increased complication rate.

Methods: Single-centre, prospective case-control study compared arthroscopic vs. open ankle arthrodesis in patients with Charcot Neuro-Arthropathy of the foot. 18 patients with septic Charcot Neuro-Arthropathy Sanders III-IV received an arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with TSF (Taylor Spatial Frame®) fixation combined with different additional procedures required for infect treatment and hindfoot realignment. The ankle arthrodesis was required for the realignment of the hindfoot in Sanders IV patients, arthritis or in case of infection. 12 patients were treated with open ankle arthrodesis and TSF fixation combined with various additional procedures.

Results: A significant improvement has been shown in radiological data in both groups. A significant lower complication rate has been registered in arthroscopic group. A significant correlation was seen between major complications and therapeutic anticoagulation as well as smoking.

Conclusion: In high-risk patients with diabetes and plantar ulceration excellent results could be demonstrated in arthroscopically performed ankle arthrodesis with midfoot osteotomy using TSF as fixation devise.