The Current Role of Ankle Arthrodesis in Hemophilic Patients

There are several manners to take care of the hemophilic ankle in the initial phases of degeneration of the articularcartilage, in the event that hematologic prophylaxis is unsuccessful in accomplishing no bleeds. Some of these arenonoperative, with which management must start. These are Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine protocols and theutilization of orthoses (patellar tendon bearing). When these are unsuccessful, more aggressive types of treatmentcan be utilized, such as radiosynovectomy and some surgical operations (open or arthroscopic removal of anteriorosteophyte of the distal part of the tibia, arthroscopic ankle debridement). Nonetheless, in the late phases of degenerationof the articular cartilage (advanced arthropathy), the solely options are surgical: ankle fusion or total ankle arthroplasty.The review of the literature has shown that the percentage of consolidation is between 90% and 100%, and that thepercentage of postoperative infection is between 0% and 10%%. When the Ilizarov external fixator is utilized for anklefusion, the percentage of pin tract infection is around 14%. Ankle fusion is a secure surgical technique that melioratesarticular pain and improves the quality of life of hemophilic patients.Level of evidence: III