SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES BEFORE AND AFTER ANKLE FUSION AND TOTAL ANKLE REPLACEMENT: A RETROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Introduction End-stage ankle osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that results in functional limitations and a poor quality of life. Ankle arthrodesis (AAD) and total ankle replacement (TAR) are the major surgical treatment options for ankle arthritis. The purpose of the present study was to compare preoperative and postoperative participation in sports and recreational activities, assesses levels of habitual physical activity, functional outcome and satisfaction of patients who underwent eighter AAD or TAR. Methods 41 patients (mean age: 60.1y) underwent eighter AAD (21) or TAR (20) by a single surgeon. At an average follow-up of 30 (AAD) and 39 (TAR) months respectively activity levels were determined with use of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, patients9s satisfaction and pre- and postoperative participation in sports were assessed as well. Results In the AAD group 90% and in the TAR group 76% were active in sports preoperatively. Postoperatively in both groups 76% were active in sports (AAD p=0.08). The UCLA score was 7.0 (± 1.9) in the AAD group and 6.8 (± 1.8) in the TAR group (p=0.78). The AOFAS score reached 75.6 (± 14) in the AAD group and 75.6 (± 16) in the TAR group (p=0.97). Conclusion Our study revealed no significant difference between the groups concerning activity levels, participation in sports activities, UCLA and AOFAS score. After AAD the number of patients participating in sports decreased. However, this change was not statistically significant.