SAT0548 First Prospective Results of Joint Distraction in Haemophilic Ankle Arthropathy
Authors: L. van Vulpen, H.C. Vogely, G. Roosendaal, P. de Kleijn, P. van Roermund, R. Schutgens, S. Mastbergen, F. Lafeber
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> In youngsters with haemophilia most intra-articular bleedings occur in the ankle joint. Already during adolescence haemophilic arthropathy restricts their activities and participation in society. Joint distraction, an effective treatment in ankle osteoarthritis [1], has the advantage of preservation of the original joint without compromising subsequent conservative surgeries like arthrodesis. Three cases evaluated in retrospect, showed good clinical and structural efficacy in haemophilic ankle arthropathy [2]. <h3>Objectives</h3> To gather prospective data on both clinical effectiveness and tissue structure changes of ankle joint distraction in patients with haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle. <h3>Methods</h3> Haemophilia patients (n=10; ≥18 and &lt;45 years) were eligible in case of severe complaints of arthropathy in the tibiotalar joint, insufficiently responding to analgesics and conservative treatment, causing functional limitations. Ankle joint distraction using an Ilizarov external fixator was performed during 10 weeks. At baseline, after 6 and 12 months, clinical effectiveness was evaluated using standard questionnaires and physical examination. Functional tests, X-ray and MRI examination were performed at baseline and 1-year follow-up. <h3>Results</h3> A 12 months follow-up is available in 3 patients. Age at time of surgery ranged from 22 to 33 years. During distraction, none of the patients experienced bleeding. Pin tract infection, commonly seen with external frame use, occurred in 2 patients, and was treated effectively with oral antibiotics. Pain scored on the visual analogue scale decreased from 65 (47-76)mm at inclusion to 9 (7-84)mm at 6 months and 12 (1-43)mm at 12 months follow-up. Functional limitations, measured by the Haemophilia Activities List and the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, improved in two patients at 6 months, and in all three patients at 12 months. Functional tests improved considerably in all patients at 1-year follow up. MRI revealed a decrease in volume of subchondral cysts and bone edema in all patients, and slight improvement of the joint space width in one patient (see figure). <h3>Conclusions</h3> In this first prospective study investigating the efficacy of joint distraction in haemophilic ankle arthropathy, all three patients showed clinical and structural improvement. Although preliminary results in 3 patients, these data suggest a clear efficacy. As such, joint distraction, although a major surgical procedure, may be a promising treatment in those patients not benefitting from conservative therapy postponing more rigorous surgery. In case results appear disappointing, ankle arthrodesis is not compromised in any way. <h3>References</h3> Mastbergen SC, Saris DB, Lafeber FP. Functional articular cartilage repair: here, near, or is the best approach not yet clear? Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2013 May; 9(5):277-290. Van Meegeren ME, Van VK, de KP, Van Roermund PM, Biesma DH, Lafeber FP, et al. Joint distraction results in clinical and structural improvement of haemophilic ankle arthropathy: a series of three cases. Haemophilia. 2012 Sep; 18(5):810-817. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> This work is supported by the Dutch Arthritis Association and the World Federation of Hemophilia. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared