The Orthobullets Podcast Foot and Ankle | Ankle Arthritis
Oct 27, 2025
Dive into the complexities of ankle arthritis with intriguing insights on diagnosis and management! Learn about the types of ankle arthritis, particularly post-traumatic causes. Discover how malunions affect cartilage loss and the importance of radiographic evaluations. Explore both nonoperative strategies and surgical options, including total ankle arthroplasty and joint-preserving techniques. Plus, gain clarity on key criteria for surgical interventions. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in foot and ankle health!
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Post-Traumatic Etiology Dominates
- Ankle arthritis most commonly follows trauma rather than primary degenerative disease.
- Post-traumatic arthritis accounts for over two-thirds of cases while primary OA is under 10%.
Malunion Alters Ankle Mechanics
- Non-anatomic fracture healing shifts joint contact forces and accelerates cartilage loss.
- Resulting changes cause joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and eburnation.
Use Weight-Bearing Radiographs
- Obtain weight-bearing AP, lateral, and oblique radiographs to evaluate ankle arthritis.
- Use radiographs to look for joint space loss, subchondral sclerosis, cysts, and angular deformity.