Retrospective cohort study shows increased complications and mortality in diabetic patients with neuropathy after ankle surgery, highlighting the need for careful planning.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the impact of diabetic peripheral neuropathy on postoperative outcomes following ankle arthrodesis.
Retrospective cohort study using TriNetX Research Network electronic health records from January 2020 to January 2025.
Included adult diabetic patients undergoing primary ankle arthrodesis for osteoarthritis, stratified by presence of neuropathy.
731 patients with and without neuropathy were matched for analysis.
Patients with diabetic neuropathy had significantly higher rates of postoperative infections and mechanical failures.
At long-term follow-up, those with neuropathy experienced greater rates of revision arthrodesis and mortality.
Emergency department utilization was also notably higher among patients with neuropathy.