(i) The principles of foot and ankle arthrodesis

Successful arthrodesis of a diseased joint for pain relief and stability in the appropriate patient is achieved by thorough pre-operative planning and attention to risk factors for non-union, meticulous surgical technique including respect for soft tissues, adequate joint surface preparation and co-aptation of joint surfaces with stable fixation in the position of most useful function. Here we outline how these principles are applied in the foot and ankle.