Ankle surgery

National Quality Registry for Ankle Surgery

The prevalence of ankle disease, including osteoarthritis, is difficult to estimate, as many patients do not seek medical care.

In many cases pathology develop after injury, often already 10-20 years after the trauma incident. Since many traumatic injuries around the ankle occur in young adulthood, symptoms may arise already around age 30 years.

In milder cases, non-surgical treatment may suffice. This includes orthotics, analgesics and physiotherapy. In more severe cases, where this is not enough surgery is the only treatment option.

The available surgical methods are technically demanding and relatively few patients undergo the procedures in Sweden, especially ankle replacement. The two most common procedures are ankle replacement surgery (in which the joint is replaced by artificial bearings) and arthrodesis surgery (in which the joint is fused). The third most common procedure is called supramalleolar osteotomy.

In the National Swedish ankle registry, which started in 1997, results of ankle surgery (primary and revision procedures) are collected and evaluated. The main purpose of the registry is to create and disseminate knowledge regarding the entire care process for patients with ankle disease and by this provide caregivers and patients with good, safe and individually tailored evidence based-information regarding investigation, treatment regiments and results.

Contact information

Find contact information on the registry’s website.