Arthrodesis of the Ankle with Lateral Plating

Abstract

A modification of internal fixation compression arthrodesis for ankle fusion is described using two 6.5-mm cancellous bone screws and a lateral T plate. Using this technique, 20 consecutive arthrodeses by one surgeon were reviewed. Solid union was attained in 19 of 20 patients (95%). Average follow-up was 18 months (range 6-59 months). Time to obtain solid arthrodeses averaged 18 weeks. In 11 patients who returned for follow-up, clinical grading using the Mazur scale score averaged 70 of 90 points. Diagnoses included posttraumatic degenerative arthritis, failed ankle arthrodesis and rheumatoid arthritis (2 each), failed ankle arthroplasty, and post-tuberculous arthritis (1 each). Complications included one malunion and one asymptomatic screw malposition. All patients attaining union were pleased with the procedure.

Corrective arthrodeses and osteotomies for post-traumatic hindfoot malalignment: indications, techniques, results

“…In both the anteroposterior and lateral views, the centre of the talar dome should line up with the centre of the tibial axis [23,[25][26][27]. Arthrodesis is achieved with two to five large fragment (6.5-7.3 mm) cancellous screws, or plates [8,24,28,29].…”

Tibiotarsal compression arthrodesis using a lateral locking plate

“…A recent biomechanical study has shown superior stability of an ankle fusion using internal fixation with a plate and screws versus fixation with screws alone (14) . Several authors have reported successful use of internal fixation with plates and screws utilizing various techniques including lateral plating, anterior dual plating and custom blade plate techniques (15)(16)(17)(18)(19) . Three additional studies report using anterior tension plate techniques for tibiotalar arthrodesis after failed total ankle arthroplasty (20)(21)(22) .…”

Arthroscopic assisted ankle arthrodesis: A retrospective study of 32 cases

“…10,11 Rowan and Davey also reported a high fusion rate (94%) and few complications with the use of anterior AO T-plates in 33 patients. 12 Gruen and Mears used a posterior blade plate for late reconstruction of five ankles with complex deformity.…”