Tibio Crural Arthrodesis: Evaluation of Results at Omar Bongo Ondimba Military Teaching Hospital: About 23 Cases

Arthroplasty and arthrodesis are currently the most frequently used surgical options for the management of tibiofibular osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of tibiofibular arthrodesis in the orthopedic surgery department of the Omar Bongo Ondimba Military Teaching Hospital (OBOMTH). Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, single-center study. It took place in the orthopedic surgery department of OBOMTH from January 2020 to December 2023. The study included all patients who underwent surgery for tibiofibular osteoarthritis and whose records were complete and usable. The method of fixation for the arthrodesis depended on the availability of the hardware. Outcomes were evaluated using the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score. Results: The study population consisted of 18 men and 5 women, for a ratio of 3.6. The median age was 68.7 years. The arthrodesis was fixed either with two 6.5 mm diameter partially threaded screws, under fluoroscopic guidance for a cross or parallel arrangement (n=16; 69.6%); or with a reshaped and contoured anterior tibiotalar plate (n=7; 30.4%). The results were very satisfactory (56.5%), satisfactory (30.4%) and poor (13.1%). Conclusion: Despite the instability of screw fixation, the results are generally satisfactory if best practices during and after surgery are followed for both types of open procedure.