title: Compression arthrodesis of the ankle by triangular external fixation: biomechanical and clinical evaluation.
abstract: This article describes a technique of ankle arthrodesis using a triangular external fixation frame and presents the results of biomechanical analysis and clinical experience with the frame. Clinical evaluation of 23 ankle arthrodeses performed using a triangular external fixation frame yielded a 91.3% fusion rate at an average of 11 weeks postfusion. The triangular frame was 79% stiffer than a compression-only external frame in torsion and 39% stiffer in anteroposterior bending. This high rate of fusion is attributed to the elimination of micromotion at the fusion site because of the increased rigidity of the triangular external compression frame.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Berman
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bosacco
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Parks
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Israelite
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Quartararo
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016267:External Fixators; D006801:Humans