[Arthrodesis of the lower leg joint in posttraumatic deformity and arthrosis]

Post-traumatic deformations and post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint are treated by arthrodesis. The aim of this work was to determine the effectiveness of this method of treatment. Between January 1976 and December 1987, the patients controlled were treated at the Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Centre, "Firule", Split. On the basis of clinical and radiological criteria, the functional results were evaluated. In this period, a total of 20 patients were treated. All the patients had returned to their pre-injury work within 3-6 months. Excellent results were reported in fourteen (70%) and good results in 6 patients (30%). Today, in a time of great technological progress, when various endoprosthetic replacements for joints are available, arthrodesis of the ankle joint, although a non-physiological procedure, is still the best method of treatment of post-traumatic deformations and post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint.