Compression arthrodesis of the ankle following failed ankle arthroplasty using hoffmann® external fixation

Nine patients with failed Irvine Total Ankle Arthroplasties have been treated by compression arthrodesis with Hoffmann external fixators. Six were men and three were women; ages ranged from 33 to 70 years. An anterior approach was used with application of a Hoffmann external fixator. Three pins were placed in the distal tibia, and three pins in the talus. After six to eight weeks, the fixator was removed. The patients were placed in a short leg walking cast until fusion was complete. All nine ankles fused primarily, in an average of 16.9 weeks (range: ten to 23 weeks). There were two complications of delayed wound closures. There were no problems with pin tract infections or osteomyelitis.