Incidence of Subtalar Joint Fusion After Isolated Ankle Fusion

It is important to know a truer incidence of the need for subtalar and midfoot fusions, following an isolated ankle fusion, in order to better inform our patients of the likelihood of needing further surgery in the future. It is also important to understand whether pre-existing radiological arthrosis is likely to lead to the need for a fusion in the future and also how important the alignment of the ankle joint, after a fusion, may influence that.

The aim of the study is to review the patients' notes and radiology who have had a previous isolated ankle fusion and then to see whether they subsequently required further surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

Ankle Arthritis

Age range

18 year–100 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

About this study

Isolated ankle fusion is normally regarded as a good operation producing good pain relief and allowing patients to function well. Patients will have an early heel rise when walking and although that is often not immediately perceptible to an onlooker, it does increase the stress on the neighbouring subtalar and Chopart joints. Radiologically, subtalar joint arthrosis is common following isolated ankle fusions but not necessarily clinically symptomatic. The long term incidence of subsequent ipsilateral subtalar or Chopart joint fusions is not well known. Various different studies have shown a prevalence of osteoarthrosis (radiologically) of 24-100% in the subtalar joint and reported 84% of patients complaining of pain after 10 years. The prevalence in the Chopart joints has been reported to vary between 18-77%.

This is an observational study reviewing medical records and radiology of patients who have had an isolated ankle fusion. The data will be analysed using basic statistics with logistic regression modelling.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Any patient who has had an isolated ankle fusion and is over the age of 18 years old.

Exclusion criteria

Participants younger than 18 years old.

Treatment and study plan

ankle fusion

Procedure

fusion of ankle joint

Primary outcomes

incidence of subtalar and midfoot fusions after isolated fusion of the ankle joint

Time frame: A retrospective data collection following patients from surgery to now.

To look at the incidence of subtalar and midfoot fusions after an isolated ankle fusion and what factors influenced this.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Jayne Edwards

CONTACT

[email protected]

01691404143

Julie Steen

CONTACT

[email protected]

01691404418

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District NHS Trust

Other Gov

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jan 17, 2025
Registry last updated: Apr 8, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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