title: Primary ankle arthrodesis for neglected open Weber B ankle fracture dislocation.
abstract: Primary ankle arthrodesis used to treat a neglected open ankle fracture dislocation is a unique decision. A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 5-day-old open fracture dislocation of his right ankle. After thorough soft tissue debridement, primary arthrodesis of the tibiotalar joint was performed using initial Kirschner wire fixation and an external fixator. Definitive soft tissue coverage was later achieved using a latissimus dorsi free flap. The fusion was consolidated to salvage the limb from amputation. The use of primary arthrodesis to treat a compound ankle fracture dislocation has not been previously described.
authors: Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Fellow, Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Thomason
authors: Orthopaedic Senior House Officer, Waterford Regional Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Ashwanth
authors: A
authors: Ramesh
authors: Orthopaedic Senior House Officer, Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Niall
authors: N
authors: McGoldrick
authors: Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Fellow, Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Cove
authors: Orthopaedic Specialist Registrar, Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Electronic address: jamescwalsh@me.com.
authors: James C
authors: JC
authors: Walsh
authors: Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Cappagh Hospital and Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Michael M
authors: MM
authors: Stephens
mesh_terms: D064386:Ankle Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: 4; alcohol abuse; amputation; emergency department; latissimus dorsi free flap; limb salvage; open fracture; pilon fracture