Posttraumatic ankle arthrosis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Ankle arthritis significantly impacts joint function and patient quality of life.
• Ankle arthrodesis (fusion) is the established gold standard for operative management.
• Current total ankle implants require further long-term validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current ankle arthrodesis techniques and fixation options.
• To discuss evolving reconstructive alternatives for ankle arthritis.
• To highlight advancements in biomaterials and instrumentation impacting surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of minimally invasive (arthroscopic, miniarthrotomy) and extensile arthrodesis techniques.
• Discussion of internal and external fixation methods based on surgeon preference and patient factors.
• Exploration of reconstructive alternatives: distraction ankle arthroplasty, supramalleolar osteotomy, total ankle replacement.

Main Results:

• Ankle arthrodesis offers multiple surgical approaches and fixation strategies.
• Surgeon and patient factors influence the choice of fixation.
• Reconstructive options are emerging alongside arthrodesis advancements.

Conclusions:

• Ankle arthrodesis remains the definitive treatment for many arthritic ankle joints.
• Technological progress continues to refine arthrodesis and introduce viable alternatives.
• Optimal treatment selection depends on individual patient needs and available surgical expertise.