[Revision of failed ankle arthrodeses].
OBJECTIVE
Ankle arthrodesis with the foot at 90 degrees with minimal as possible leg shortening. Regain of a pain-free use of the limb.


METHODS
Failure of arthrodesis, septic or aseptic in origin, accompanied by pain interfering with weight bearing.


METHODS
General surgical or anesthesiologic risks. Acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Significant arterial circulatory disturbances or extensive neurologic deficits. Extensive bone or soft-tissue defects after previous surgeries.


METHODS
Approach using existing scars. Resection of nonunion making allowance for the planned position of arthrodesis. Removal of all necrotic bony and soft tissue. Posterior translation of talus by 1 cm. Autogenous bone grafting of major defects. Temporary fixation with a Kirschner wire with the foot at 90 degrees in the sagittal plane, in 0 degrees in the frontal plane, and 10-20 degrees of external rotation. Application of an external fixator, removal of Kirschner wire and compression of resection surfaces. If needed, apposition of cancellous bone harvested from iliac crest. Suction drain. Wound closure.


RESULTS
Revision of arthrodesis in 13 men and three women (average age 48 years [27-76 years]). Average follow-up 10.8 months (3-26 months). In spite of problematic preoperative conditions (local infection eight times, malposition five times) a bony consolidation occurred in 15 of 16 patients, 14 times in a perfect position. Average leg shortening 2.8 cm (1-8.5 cm). Satisfactory soft-tissue healing in twelve patients. Superficial ulceration in two patients, fistula in one. Successful repeat revision of arthrodesis in one patient on account of persisting nonunion and infection.
Eingartner
Christoph
C
Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany. christoph.eingartner@uni-tuebingen.de
Weise
Kuno
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010000:Osteitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012086:Reoperation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome