Introduction: Arthrodesis is a salvage procedure for patients
with a destroyed, painful ankle joint to restore pain-free
ambulation. This study aimed at evaluation of the results of
ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixator to treat endstage
tibio-talar arthritis.
Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 20
patients who had been treated with ankle fusion by Ilizarov
fixator performed from December 2007 to January 2014. The
mean age was 44.95 years. Eight patients were females. The
underlying pathology was septic ankle destruction,
posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Avascular
necrosis of talus was present in three cases. Seventeen patients
had previous surgical procedures with a mean of 2.15 surgeries.
Five patients had a failed previous arthrodesis. Six patients had
associated equinus deformity. The mean preoperative American
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hind foot
score was 26.
Results: The mean follow up period was 28.15 months. The
mean external fixation period was 15.75 weeks. Sound fusion
was achieved in all patients without additional operative
procedures. Infection was controlled in all septic ankles. Pin site
infections were observed in seven cases. In three cases, wires or
half-pins needed to be removed. One ankle was fused in mild
varus. One patient reported moderate daily diffuse pain. The
mean postoperative AOFAS Ankle-Hind foot score was 75.45.
Patients reported functional satisfaction with the results.
Conclusions: The use of the Ilizarov external fixator provides a
successful salvage method that offers solid bony fusion, optimal
alignment, and eradication of infection in complex ankle
pathology or failed previous arthrodesis. |
