title: Posterior internal compression arthrodesis of the ankle.
abstract: We have reviewed the results of 19 ankle arthrodeses in 18 patients by a new technique of posterior internal compression. Sixteen of the ankles fused at a mean time of 14 weeks and the other three after reoperation. Complications included one case each of infection, Sudeck's atrophy and non-fatal pulmonary embolism. Clinical assessment using Mazur's ankle score showed excellent or good results in nine ankles and three painfree ankles in patients who were wheelchair-bound for other reasons. The mean position of fusion was in 1.7 degrees equinus and 0.8 degrees varus, and the mean range of midtarsal movements was 15.8 degrees. Twelve patients showed radiographic signs of talonavicular or subtalar osteoarthritis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Fracture and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital, Nottingham, England.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Swärd
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Colton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011859:Radiography; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies