Ankle arthrodesis using anatomically contoured anterior plate.
BACKGROUND
More than 40 fusion techniques for the ankle joint have been reported. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review our preliminary clinical and radiographic results using an anatomically contoured anterior plate for ankle arthrodesis.


METHODS
Ten ankle arthrodeses with an anatomically contoured anterior plate performed by a single surgeon were reviewed with an average of 14 months followup. One underwent revision surgery due to screw loosening by reapplying the same plate. Plain radiographs were taken to help determine the stability of fixation and time of fusion. The AOFAS clinical rating system was applied to evaluate patients preoperatively and postoperatively.


RESULTS
Nine of ten patients achieved solid fusion radiographically and clinically at an average of 15 (range, 12 to 22) weeks. Bony healing was achieved after an additional 12 weeks for the patient who underwent revision fusion. There were no postoperative wound problems or infections. All patients reported an improvement in their pain level following successful fusion.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of an anatomically contoured plate provides many advantages, including less soft tissue disruption by using a single anterior incision, ease of deformity correction, early rehabilitation, and high rate of union.
Guo
Changan
C
Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Fenglin Road 180, Shanghai, 200032, China. changanguo@hotmail.com
Yan
Zuoqin
Z
Barfield
William R
WR
Hartsock
Langdon A
LA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000601:surgery; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000637:transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation