The Ankle Joint: Updates on Ankle Fusion Approaches and Fixation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Ankle Joint Procedures

Background:

• Ankle fusion is a classical surgical procedure for ankle joint conditions.
• It has a long history with predictable outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent literature on ankle fusion techniques.
• To present commonly used current surgical approaches and their applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of modern literature focusing on anterior plating vs. screw fixation and arthroscopic vs. open techniques.
• Discussion of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, transfibular approach, anterior plating, and external fixation.
• Presentation of cases and techniques.

Main Results:

• Anterior plating and arthroscopic techniques are key areas of modern literature.
• Various approaches including transfibular, anterior plating, and external fixation are discussed.
• Standard recovery and complication profiles are examined.

Conclusions:

• Ankle fusion remains a reliable procedure with evolving techniques.
• Understanding different approaches like arthroscopic and anterior plating is crucial for optimal outcomes.
• Comprehensive discussion covers indications, applications, recovery, and complications.