Circular External Fixator–Assisted Ankle Arthrodesis following Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty:

Background: Failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) often results in significant bone loss and requires salvage arthrodesis. This study quantified the bone loss following failed TAA and reports the outcome of seven arthrodesis reconstructions using the Ilizarov method. Methods: A retrospective review of ankle fusions was performed for failed TAA to collect the mode of implant failure, presenting limb length discrepancy (LLD), total bone defect, postarthrodesis LLD, and treatment type (shoe lift versus distraction osteogenesis) and amount (shoe lift or lengthening). Results: Four mechanical failures and three infections were found. Four of seven cases had prior revision TAAs. Four of seven patients were treated with tibiotalar