title: External fixation arthrodesis of the ankle joint following trauma.
abstract: Arthrodesis is currently the treatment of choice for symptomatic degenerative arthropathy of the ankle. Thirty-seven patients underwent arthrodesis for post-traumatic disorders using either a Hoffmann external fixator or a Calandruccio frame. There was degenerative joint disease in 19 (51%), septic arthritis in 11 (30%), severe comminution in five (14%), and uncontrollable equinus in two (5%). The patients were divided into two groups. Twenty-six (70%) were considered to have sustained high energy open or comminuted injuries and 11 (30%), low energy injuries. Twenty-nine (78%) achieved a radiologic fusion following one operation. Four eventually united with further surgery for a final arthrodesis rate of 89%. In the high energy group 18 of 26 (69%) achieved primary fusion. Four united with additional surgery for a final arthrodesis rate of 85%. Two of these required subsequent amputations and two others, a triple arthrodesis which also failed to control chronic pain. Thus, a total of 18 of the 26 patients (69%) achieved a successful result. Also included in the high energy group were three patients with uncontrolled sepsis who underwent amputation before union occurred and one with a painful non-union. All 11 of the patients (100%) who originally sustained low energy injuries achieved a successful arthrodesis. The most common complication was in pin tract infection requiring incision, drainage, and oral antibiotics in 16 patients (43%). None of these progressed to chronic osteomyelitis.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery