Radiological Analysis of the Degenerative Arthritis of the Ankle

족관절 퇴행성 관절염의 방사선학적 분석

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the radiological characteristics of the degenerative arthritis of the ankle using the standing radiographs. Materials and Methods: From June 2001 to May 2005, 36 patients (56 ankles) who were treated for osteoarthritis of ankle were analysed. Angle of tibial shaft and tibial joint surface on AP view (TSA), angle of tibial joint surface on lateral view (TLS), tibial and medial malleolus angle (TMM) and talo-1st metatarsal angle were checked on standing radiograph. The patients with medial joint and total joint involvement were categorized into three stages according to the location of involvement. The degree of joint space narrowing was categorized into two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in TSA, TLS, TMM and talo-1st metatarsal angle with regard to the stage of arthritis. However, the difference between the less severe group and the severe group existed. Conclusion: Angular deformity was not correlated with stage, but correlated with severity. The deformity of distal tibial articular surface does not seem to be a cause of primary osteoartiritis, but rather a result from it.