Burden of cases with large joints bony ankylosis following open injuries in rural region: A hospital based cross-Sectional observation

Abstract

Background: Normal large joint anatomy is important for mobility, function and overall quality of life. Trauma or diseases like various forms of arthritis may alter normal joint architecture and physiology leading to secondary arthritis. Infection within the joint leading to septic arthritis is another catastrophic disorder that may irreversibly damage the human articular cartilage. The resultant bony ankylosis in certain cases is a serious complication of septic arthritis. There has been limited data regarding the burden of people living with post-infective ankylosis of one or more major joint and its other variables. Materials and Methods: Details of all consecutive cases coming to hospital out-patient department for the related or other complaints with one or more major joint found completely ankylosed in the radiographs were noted in separate file. The clinical complaints for which they present either related with the condition or other were also noted. Key demographic details like age, sex, laterality, history of causative factor, time living with the deformity, other co-morbidities were also recorded. The relevant details of the ankylosed joint following confirmation on radiographs were clinically confirmed with presence of no apparent movement of the affected joint. Results: A total of 21 (17 males and 3 females) patients with mean age of 32.1 years were part of the study. The ankle joint was most commonly involved followed by hip, knee and elbow in 13, 6, 2 and 1 case respectively. Our study attempts to know the burden of people living with ankylosed joint as a result of open injuries in the past. Conclusion: Relevant demographic data and the type of joint involvement in adults living in rural areas with one or more major ankylosed joints shall help draft preventive and treatment strategy in this regard.