Transfibular compression arthrodesis of the ankle joint

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Podiatric Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Ankle arthrodesis is a procedure to surgically fuse the ankle joint, often necessary for severe arthritis or instability.
• Traditional methods can have limitations in achieving solid fusion, cosmesis, and patient recovery time.
• The transfibular technique offers a novel approach to ankle fusion with potential advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of a specific transfibular technique for ankle arthrodesis.
• To compare the fusion rates, immobilization duration, and cosmetic results of the transfibular technique against other ankle fusion methods.

Main Methods:

• Eleven ankle arthrodeses were performed on ten patients using a transfibular approach with distal fibula resection.
• A T-plate and AO compression apparatus were utilized for tibiotalar joint compression and stabilization.
• Peroneal tendon sheath preservation was maintained for optimal joint exposure and contouring.

Main Results:

• Successful ankle fusion was achieved in ten out of eleven ankles at an average of 2.5 years post-operation.
• The average immobilization period was 11.8 weeks, with a cosmetically pleasing outcome.
• In comparison, other methods used during the same period resulted in fusion in nine of eleven ankles, with longer immobilization (16.2 weeks) and inferior cosmetic results, including three pin tract infections.

Conclusions:

• The transfibular technique provides a reliable and effective method for ankle arthrodesis, achieving high fusion rates.
• This technique offers significant advantages in terms of reduced immobilization time and superior cosmetic results.
• The transfibular approach represents an advancement in ankle fusion surgery, potentially improving patient outcomes.