Versatility of Ilizarov technique in difficult cases of ankle arthrodesis and review of literature

BackgroundAnkle arthrodesis is a well-established procedure that has been successfully used for treatment of end stage arthritis of the ankle for well over a century. Internal fixation for ankle arthrodesis is adequate in most of the cases. However, surgeons and patients are occasionally confronted with cases in need for ankle arthrodesis but do not lend itself well to the ideal position and/or internal fixation. These cases may even contraindicate internal fixation. The aim of this study is to assess the results of ankle arthrodesis using different modalities of Ilizarov techniques and demonstrating its high versatility in treating such difficult cases.Patients and methodsThis is a prospective study. Thirty cases of ankle fusion for end stage arthritis or instability were performed in the period between January 2002 and December 2007 at the Health Insurance Reference Hospitals, Alexandria, Egypt. Tibiotalar fusion was done in 22 cases and tibiocalcaneal fusion in 8 cases using different modalities of Ilizarov technique. The mean follow up period was 5.5 years (range 4–8, SD 1.9).ResultsSound and painless fusion was achieved in all the cases except one (97%). The difference between the mean preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was found to be statistically highly significant (t = 10.1, p = 0.001). Many minor complications were encountered during the course of treatment in the form of: pin tract infections, wound dehiscence, cellulitis that was managed effectively with local wound care, oral antibiotics.ConclusionThe versatility of the combinations of assemblies afforded by Ilizarov fixator was found to be endless. This makes the Ilizarov fixator to be an effective and versatile mean of treating difficult cases of ankle arthrodesis.