title: Repair of malunions after ankle arthrodesis.
abstract: Ankle arthrodesis is an operation that produces fusion of the talocrural joint. Ideally, the ankle is fused in a position of slight valgus, neutral dorsiflexion, midsagittal translation, slight posterior translation, symmetric external rotation, and plantigrade foot alignment. Malunion after ankle arthrodesis is characterized as a deviation from this ideal position. The derangement may produce inefficient or painful gait and pain or dysfunction at the hip, knee, or foot. Preoperative planning is essential to achieve a final plantigrade foot position. Correction is accomplished through the ankle arthrodesis itself, the foot, or the supramalleolar tibia. Complications of ankle malunion repair include nonunion; malunion; nerve, vessel or tendon injury; and infection.
authors.affiliation: The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group, LLP, 400 Concorde Plaza Drive, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78216, USA. mmcasillas@satx.rr.com
authors.forename: Mark Michael
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Casillas
authors.forename: Marque
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Allen
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D017760:Bone Malalignment / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D012086:Reoperation