Arthritis in the ankle often has a different story behind it than arthritis in the hip or knee. In many cases, it can be traced back to an earlier injury. This pattern is described as post-traumatic ankle arthritis. This article gives a general overview of what it is and why a past injury can have lasting effects.
What Is Post-Traumatic Ankle Arthritis?
Post-traumatic ankle arthritis refers to osteoarthritis of the ankle that develops following an injury, such as a fracture or a significant sprain. Trauma is described in the literature as the principal cause of osteoarthritis in the ankle, which distinguishes it from arthritis in some other joints (Ewalefo et al., 2018). It can develop months or even years after the original injury.
How an Old Injury Can Lead to Arthritis
When an ankle is injured, the cartilage and the surfaces of the joint can be damaged, and the alignment of the joint may be altered. Over time, these changes can contribute to the gradual wear associated with arthritis (Ewalefo et al., 2018). Because the ankle carries load with every step, changes to the joint surface or its alignment can have a lasting effect.
Recognising the Symptoms
Symptoms can include ankle pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement, often developing gradually. Because these can overlap with other conditions, an accurate assessment — including a review of any previous injury — is an important part of understanding what is going on. Not all ankle pain following an injury is due to arthritis.
Approaches to Management
Management ranges from non-surgical measures through to surgical options, which are considered when symptoms are not controlled by conservative care. The literature discusses several surgical approaches for advanced ankle arthritis, including joint-preserving, fusion and replacement options (Slater et al., 2021). The most appropriate course depends on the individual, and the potential risks and benefits should be discussed in detail.
Conclusion
Post-traumatic ankle arthritis is a common reason for ongoing ankle problems, particularly in people who have had a significant ankle injury in the past. Anyone with persistent ankle symptoms should seek assessment from a qualified specialist for advice suited to their situation.
References
- Slater, G. L., Javadian, S., & Mathen, L. (2021). A review of distraction arthroplasty vs ankle arthrodesis vs ankle replacement. Journal of Regenerative Biology and Medicine. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357010481_A_Review_Of_Distraction_Arthroplasty_Vs_Ankle_Arthrodesis_Vs_Ankle_Replacement
- Ewalefo, S. O., Dombrowski, M., Hirase, T., Rocha, J. L., Weaver, M., Kline, A., Carney, D., & Hogan, M. V. (2018). Management of posttraumatic ankle arthritis: Literature review. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 11(4), 546–557. DOI: 10.1007/s12178-018-9525-9
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns regarding your health. All surgical or invasive procedures involve potential risks. It is advisable to seek a second opinion from a suitably qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions.
