Our Summary

This paper investigates the effectiveness of a surgical procedure known as ankle arthrodesis, or ankle fusion, for people suffering from haemophilic arthropathy, a condition common in people with haemophilia where joints deteriorate due to internal bleeding.

The researchers looked at multiple factors such as how long it took for the ankle to heal after surgery, how much blood was lost during the operation, any complications post-surgery, and how long patients stayed in the hospital. They also considered patients’ pain levels and foot functionality before and after the procedure.

They reviewed 17 studies, involving a total of 271 ankle fusions, with the patients’ average age being around 38. The procedure was generally successful, with healing rates between 71.5% and 100% within 2-6 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 13.7% of cases, with a 6.5% rate of further surgery needed to correct problems. The average hospital stay was between 1.8 and 10.6 days.

Before the surgery, patients’ foot functionality scores were on average 35 out of 100 and their pain levels were 6.3 out of 10. After surgery, these improved dramatically to an average functionality score of 79.4 and pain levels dropping to 0.9.

The conclusion is that ankle fusion surgery can significantly help improve pain and functionality for people with haemophilic arthropathy. The procedure also had fewer complications and need for revision surgery compared to total ankle replacement.

FAQs

  1. What is the effectiveness of ankle arthrodesis, or ankle fusion, for patients suffering from haemophilic arthropathy?
  2. What factors were considered by the researchers in their evaluation of ankle fusion surgery?
  3. How does the outcome of ankle fusion surgery compare to that of total ankle replacement?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering joint fusion that while the procedure can greatly improve pain and functionality, there is a risk of postoperative complications and the possibility of needing further surgery in some cases. It is important to discuss these risks and benefits with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision about your treatment options. Additionally, following your doctor’s postoperative care instructions and attending physical therapy as recommended can help optimize your recovery and outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended joint fusion are those who are suffering from severe joint pain, instability, and limited mobility due to conditions such as arthritis, trauma, or in the case of this study, haemophilic arthropathy. These patients may have tried other conservative treatments without success and are looking for a more permanent solution to improve their quality of life. In the case of haemophilic arthropathy, joint fusion may be recommended as a way to stabilize the joint and reduce pain and inflammation caused by internal bleeding.

Timeline

In summary, a patient before joint fusion surgery experiences pain and limited functionality in the affected joint. After the surgery, they may experience initial discomfort and a healing period of 2-6 months. However, post-surgery, patients typically see a significant improvement in pain levels and functionality, with a high success rate of healing and lower rates of complications compared to other treatment options. Overall, joint fusion surgery can greatly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from joint deterioration.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about joint fusion may include:

  1. Is joint fusion the best option for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with joint fusion surgery?
  3. How long is the typical recovery time after joint fusion surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. What can I expect in terms of pain management post-surgery?
  6. How long do the effects of joint fusion surgery typically last?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  8. How many joint fusion surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. What is the expected outcome in terms of pain relief and improved functionality after joint fusion surgery?
  10. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Anazor FC, Uthraraj N, Southgate C, Dhinsa B. Journal: Haemophilia. 2023 May;29(3):716-730. doi: 10.1111/hae.14770. Epub 2023 Mar 8. PMID: 36883872