Publication:

Comparative study between Blair’s procedure of ankle fusion and arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis

Background Our objective was to perform a comparative study in terms of functional outcome of Blair’s procedure of ankle fusion versus arthroscopic methods of ankle fusion.

Methods 25 patients that underwent arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis versus Blair’s procedure of ankle fusion were taken for study at government medical college, Srinagar (VCSGGIMS and R) from the duration 2015-2021. Clinical assessment was done foot and ankle disability index and visual analog scale score for pain. Radiological assessment was done by serial X-rays. Regular follow-ups were taken till one year.

Results Both modalities proved to be equally effective in terms of patient’s functional outcome. Our analysis showed that Blair’s procedure ankle fusion was associated with a lower fusion rate (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13-0.52, p=0.0002), longer tourniquet time (MD 16.49, 95% CI 9.46-23.41, p<0.00001), and longer length of stay (MD 1.60,95% CI 1.10-2.10, p<0.00001) compared to arthroscopic ankle fusion; however, there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of infection rate (OR 2.41, 95% CI 0.76-7.64, p=0.14), overall complication rate (OR: 1.54, 95% CI 0.80-2.96, p=0.20), and operation time (MD 4.09, 95% CI 2.4910.66, p=0.22).

Conclusions We found no significant difference between two groups in terms of infection rate, overall complication rate, and operation time. Further high quality randomized controlled trials that are adequately powered are required.