[Ankle arthrodesis with an posterolateral approach using a polyaxial angle stable Talarlock® plate]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Ankle arthritis and deformities present significant challenges to function.
• Previous treatments like prosthetics may fail, necessitating salvage procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a specific ankle arthrodesis technique.
• To assess the potential for achieving pain-free, load-bearing capacity after surgery.

Main Methods:

• The study involved ten patients with severe ankle arthritis or deformities.
• A posterolateral approach with talus reorientation and tibiotalar arthrodesis using the Talarlock® plate was performed.
• Postoperative management included progressive weight-bearing protocols.

Main Results:

• All ten patients achieved successful ankle fusion.
• No complications requiring revision surgery were reported.
• A good clinical outcome and pain-free, load-bearing capacity were observed in all cases.

Conclusions:

• This ankle arthrodesis technique provides a safe and effective solution for complex ankle pathology.
• The procedure successfully restores function and alleviates pain, leading to good patient outcomes.