Internal fixation compression arthrodesis of the ankle

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Podiatric Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Ankle arthritis, including traumatic osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, significantly impacts patient function and quality of life.
• Surgical arthrodesis aims to achieve bony union and pain relief in severe ankle joint disease.
• Internal fixation methods are crucial for stabilizing the ankle during the healing process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of internal compression arthrodesis with cancellous screw fixation for ankle fusion.
• To assess the union rate, functional outcomes, and adjacent joint mobility following this surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 16 patients with ankle arthritis underwent internal compression arthrodesis using cancellous screw fixation.
• Patients were followed clinically and radiographically until evidence of bony union was achieved.
• Ankle function was assessed using a standardized evaluation score, and adjacent joint motion (midtarsal and subtalar) was measured.

Main Results:

• A high union rate of 94% (15 out of 16 patients) was achieved, with an average time to union of 9.2 weeks.
• The average ankle evaluation score was 77 points, with 80% of patients achieving good or excellent outcomes.
• Early mobilization of adjacent hindfoot and midfoot joints was observed, with preserved subtalar motion in most patients.

Conclusions:

• Internal compression arthrodesis with cancellous screw fixation is an effective technique for achieving ankle fusion with a high success rate.
• The procedure facilitates early mobilization of adjacent joints, leading to an earlier return to satisfactory function.
• Technical precision is important to minimize suboptimal outcomes in ankle arthrodesis surgery.