Title: Arthrodesis of the ankle
Author: MIKE RASCHKE, BERLIN

PICTURES

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Ilizarov composite fixation for the treatment of arthrodesis.
A case of 62 years lady with distal tibial pseudoarthrosis post talus fracture and avascular talus necrosis is presented. For arthrodesis of the ankle joint 6 attempts with internal fixation had been performed elsewhere and had failed. To reduce soft tissue transfixation composite fixation was used. Union was achieved with a closed operative procedure without additional bone grafting.
Instead "callous massage" alternating compressive and distractive periods in 2 weeks intervals were performed. 15 weeks post-operatively the fixator was dynamized and could be removed.
The X-ray shows a stable tibio-calcanear fusion, the patient is pain-free.