BACKGROUND: Development of ankylosis in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can be observed in different stages of the disease as the ankle range of motion is measured by a goniometer. OBJECTIVE: To relate a reduced ankle range of motion in patients with CVI of the lower limbs measured by goniometry and the severity of CVI according to the CEAP classification. METHODS: From March 2003 to August 2004, 86 patients (67 females and 19 males) with a mean age of 50.6 years had their ankles assessed by a goniometer. Patients were classified into three groups according to the severity of the CVI of the lower limbs (121 were assessed) using the CEAP classification. There were 40 limbs classified as C0 (control group), 40 limbs as C3 and 41 limbs as C4. Measurements of all groups were compared. RESULTS: The average ankle range of motion was 42.4º (from 26º to 54º) in C0 group, 37.9º (from 10º to 61º) in C3 group and 24.5º (from 8º to 50º) in group C4. The difference between C4 and C3 average values was 36% and that between C3 and the control group (C0) was 11%; thus, the contrast between C3 and C4 was more significant. CONCLUSION: Ankle goniometry may be used to assess chronic venous hypertension, as it reveals a correlation between the severity of ankylosis and the severity of CVI.
Chronic venous insufficiency; ankle ankylosis; goniometry
