Evaluating Prospective Patient-Reported Pain and Function Outcomes After Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis
Manish P. Mehta, Manish P. Mehta, Mitesh P. Mehta, Mitesh P. Mehta, Alain E. Sherman, Muhammad Mutawakkil, Raheem Bell, Milap Patel, Anish R. Kadakia
Abstract
Background: Hindfoot and ankle fusions are mechanically limiting procedures for patients. However, patient-reported outcomes of these procedures have not been well studied. This study assessed outcomes of hindfoot and ankle fusions by using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference (PI) Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs). Methods: Between 2014 and 2018, 102 patients were prospectively enrolled after presenting to a tertiary care facility for ankle and hindfoot fusions, including tibiotalar, tibiotalocalcaneal, subtalar, and triple arthrodeses. Study participants completed preoperative and 12-month postoperative PF and PI CATs. The differences between mean 12-month postoperative and preoperative PROMIS PF and PI T scores were analyzed with paired t tests. The relationship between the 12-month PF and PI differences for the overall sample and patient factors was examined using multiple regression modeling. Results: The sample had mean age of 57.69 years; 48% were male, and 55% were obese. Patients who underwent ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis had statistically significant improvements from preoperative to 12 months postoperative in mean PF (36.26±7.85 vs 39.38±6.46, P = .03) and PI (61.07±7.75 vs 56.62±9.81, P = .02). Triple arthrodesis saw the greatest increases in physical function (▵PF = 7.22±7.31, P = .01) and reductions in pain (▵PI = –9.17±8.31, P = .01), achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Patients who underwent tibiotalar fusion had significant improvement in physical function (▵PF = 4.18±5.68, P = .04) and pain reduction that approached statistical significance (▵PI = –6.24±8.50, P = .09), achieving MCID. Older age (≥60 years ) was associated with greater improvements in PF ( β = 0.20, P = .07) and PI ( β = –0.29, P = .04). Preoperative PF and PI T scores were significantly associated with the 12-month change in PF and PI T scores, respectively ( β = –0.74, P < .01; β = –0.61, P < .01). Conclusion: Hindfoot and ankle fusions are procedures with favorable patient outcomes leading to increased physical function and decreased pain at 12 months postoperation relative to preoperation. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.