Transfibular compression arthrodesis of the ankle joint

Eleven ankle arthrodeses were performed on ten patients using a transfibular technique. This technique employs a lateral approach in which the distal fibula is resected while preserving the peroneal tendon sheath, allowing excellent exposure and contouring of the tibiotalar joint. Compression is attained by using a T-plate placed across the tibiotalar joint with the aid of an AO compression apparatus. At 2.5 years after operation, fusion was achieved in ten ankles. Average time in immobilization was 11.8 weeks, and the fused ankle was cosmetically pleasing. Fusion occurred in nine of 11 ankles fused using other methods during this period. Pin tract infection occurred in three, the time in immobilization averaged 16.2 weeks, and the cosmetic result was inferior.