Ankle arthrodesis: combined internal-external fixation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Bone Healing

Background:

• Ankle arthrodesis is a surgical procedure to fuse the ankle joint.
• Effective fixation methods are crucial for successful ankle fusion outcomes.
• Evaluating combined internal and external fixation provides insights into surgical options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the experience and outcomes of using combined internal and external fixation in ankle arthrodesis.
• To assess the efficacy and complication rates of this specific fixation method.
• To recommend the technique if results are favorable.

Main Methods:

• A single surgeon performed 26 ankle fusions using combined internal and external fixation between 1992 and 2000.
• All consecutive patients were included without exclusions.
• Data on union rates, time to union, and complications were collected.

Main Results:

• No nonunions or delayed unions were observed in the 26 ankle fusions.
• The median time to union was 10.3 weeks (mean 11.3 weeks).
• Complications included minor pin tract infections (12%), skin irritations (15%), and painful pin tracts (4%), with most occurring early and decreasing with technique modifications.

Conclusions:

• Combined internal and external fixation demonstrated excellent results in ankle arthrodesis.
• The technique achieved a high union rate with a predictable time to healing.
• This fixation method is a recommended and useful option for ankle fusion surgery.