title: Triple arthrodesis using external ring fixation and arched-wire compression: an evaluation of 87 patients.
abstract: From January 1995 to December 2000, 87 patients at a single medical center underwent triple arthrodesis using external rings and arched-wire compression as the method of fixation. A retrospective evaluation was conducted to assess the clinical results of this technique. Eighty-four patients (97%) achieved clinical and radiographic fusion in 6 to 8 weeks. All of the patients were partially weightbearing during the first postoperative week. Thirty-one patients (36%) developed a superficial infection at one or more wire insertion sites, and nine (10%) experienced dehiscence of an incision. Three patients (3%) developed an asymptomatic nonunion. This article describes the use of external ring fixation with arched-wire compression for triple arthrodesis and presents the findings from 87 patients who underwent this technique.
authors.affiliation: Atlanta Leg Lengthening and Deformity Correction Center, Macon, GA 31210, USA.
authors.forename: Leonard M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Talarico
authors.forename: George R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Vito
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000009:adverse effects; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D033023:Foot Joints / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000601:surgery