Posterior Approach Using Anterior Ankle Arthrodesis Locking Plate for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is a successful treatment for patients with severe pain and functional disability in the ankle and subtalar joint. Patients with post-traumatic ankle and subtalar joint arthritis, and/or Charcot deformity, often present with compromised skin and soft tissue structures. In the present report, we describe a technique using an anterior ankle arthrodesis locking plate placed posteriorly to obtain hindfoot and ankle fusion. This technique, which uses the well vascularized, thick, posterior soft tissue envelope, provides very good exposure of the articular surfaces for resection and tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. The technique provides a valuable option for patients with compromised skin and soft tissue structures over aspects of the ankle that make other approaches risky and complicated.