Ankle arthrodesis by chevron fusion with internal fixation and bone-grafting.
We evaluated the results in thirteen patients with disabling tibiotalar arthritis who underwent a new operation for ankle fusion for relief of pain. The procedure in all of these patients was a chevron (pitched-roof) tibiotalar osteotomy and excision of the joint. A bilateral approach to the ankle joint was used and the arthrodesis was supplemented by internal fixation and a tibial onlay graft applied medially. There were few complications, none of them of major importance. The after-care required only immobilization in a short cast. All but one patient had a solid fusion. The final result was a normal-looking ankle with good function.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy; D013977:Tibia / Q000637:transplantation