Abstract
Purpose: We compared the results of total ankle arthroplasty in patients with preoperative varus deformity of more than $20^{\circ}$ with those of patients with varus deformity less than $20^{\circ}$. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to January 2013, 9 ankles with preoperative varus deformity of more than $20^{\circ}$ (varus group) and 31 ankles with varus deformity less than $20^{\circ}$ (control group) underwent total ankle arthroplasty. Clinical results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and radiographic results were assessed using tibiotalar varus angle in standing anteroposterior radiographs taken preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Results: The mean duration of clinical follow-up was 42.8 months (14~60 months). The AOFAS score was improved by a mean 47.0 points in the varus group and 37.6 points in the control group. Statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (p=0.041). Tibiotalar varus angle measured at the last follow-up radiograph was $2.5^{\circ}$ in the varus group and $1.0^{\circ}$ in the control group and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.820). Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical and radiographic results can be achieved in patients with varus deformity more than $20^{\circ}$ by precise bone resection and soft tissue release.
