Application of external fixation in ankle joint arthrodesis

Objective To study the curative effect of external fixation in ankle joint arthrodesis.Methods From January 2001 to June 2009, we used external fixation in arthrodesis for 27 cases of traumatic ankle joint They were 18 males and 9 females, with an average age of 41 years (range, 32 to 68 years) . There were 13 cases of traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, 3 cases of local kaschin beck disease, 5 cases of ankle osteoarthritis, 2 cases of tuberculous ankle arthritis, 3 cases of ankle replacement failure, one case of osteomyelitis. Fibular flap grafts were used in 8 cases, bone autografts in 11 cases, bone allografts in 2 cases,and combined bone grafts in 11 cases. External fixation was applied for all cases to ensure compressive contact between bone ends. Results The patients were followed up for 6 to 38 months (average, 10 months). No pain or swelling was found at the ankle joint. Significant improvements were made in walking gait and function of the ankle. X-ray films verified bony fusion in all cases. Conclusion External fixation can lead to a high rate of bony fusion of the ankle joint, and is advantageous for treatment of ankle infection and combined deformity of the ankle and foot. Key words: Ankle joint;  Arthrodesis;  External fixatiors