title: Results of Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis with Fixation Using Two Parallel Headless Compression Screws in a Heterogenic Group of Patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As orthopedic surgeons become skilled in ankle arthroscopy technique and evidence -based data is supporting its use, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) will likely continue to increase, but stabilization methods have not been described clearly. We present a technique for two parallel 7.3-mm headless compression screws fixation (HCSs) for AAA in cases of ankle arthritis with different etiology, both traumatic and non-traumatic, including neuromuscular and inflammatory patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively verified 24 consecutive patients (25 ankles) who underwent AAA between 2011 and 2015. The average follow-up was 26 months (range 18 to 52 months). Arthrodesis was performed in 16 patients due to posttraumatic arthritis (in 5 as a sequela of pilon, 6 ankles, 3 tibia fractures, and 2 had arthritis due to chronic instability after lateral ligament injury), in 4 patients due to neuromuscular ankle joint deformities, and in 4 patients due to rheumatoid arthritis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fusion occurred in 23 joints (92%) over an average of 12 weeks (range 6 to 18 weeks). Ankle arthrodesis was not achieved in 2 joints (8%), both in post-pilon fracture patients. The correct foot alignment was not achieved in 4 feet (16%). None of the treated patients required hardware removal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presented technique was effective in achieving a high fusion rate in a variety of diseases, decreasing intra- and post-operative hardware complications while maintaining adequate bone stability.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic, Traumatology and Orthopedic Oncology Clinic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kolodziej
authors.affiliation: Biological Joint Reconstruction Department, St. Luke's Hospital, Bielsko-Biala, Poland.
authors.forename: Boguslaw
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sadlik
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic, Traumatology and Orthopedic Oncology Clinic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sokolowski
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic, Traumatology and Orthopedic Oncology Clinic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bohatyrewicz
keywords: Ankle arthritis; Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis; Fixation; Headless compression screws; Neuromuscular disorders; Operative treatment