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Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Ankle arthrodesis: a literature review
Patrick A DeHeer1, Shirley M Catoire, Jessica Taulman
1padeheer@gmail.com
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|October 10, 2012
Summary
Ankle joint arthrodesis is the gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis. Proper technique, patient compliance, and joint positioning are crucial for successful fusion and avoiding complications like adjacent joint arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Podiatric Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- End-stage ankle arthritis significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Ankle joint arthrodesis is a definitive surgical treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the key principles and considerations for successful ankle joint arthrodesis.
- To highlight critical factors influencing fusion outcomes and potential complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of current surgical techniques and best practices for ankle arthrodesis.
- Emphasis on patient selection, surgical approach, fixation methods, and postoperative care.
- Discussion of the importance of precise joint positioning and compression.
Main Results:
- Successful ankle arthrodesis requires meticulous execution of surgical steps.
- Adequate cartilage resection, stable fixation, and compression are vital for fusion.
- Patient positioning is a keystone element for achieving optimal fusion alignment.
Conclusions:
- Ankle joint arthrodesis remains the gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis.
- Careful attention to surgical technique, patient factors, and postoperative management is essential.
- Potential complications include adjacent joint arthritis necessitating further intervention.

