Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2020; 87(4):225-236 | DOI: 10.55095/achot2020/035
Ankle Arthrodesis - a Review of Current Techniques and ResultsCurrent concepts review
- 1 University Center of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- 2 SingHealth Duke National University of Singapore, Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
Ankle arthrodesis continues to be the golden standard in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Meticulous soft tissue handling, correct positioning of the foot, and stable fixation are crucial for obtaining a favorable result. With current techniques, mostly internal fixation with screws or plates, union rates between 87 and 100% are reported. Adjacent joint arthritis remains a concern in long-term follow-up, but does not always become symptomatic. It is pre-existing in a substantial number of cases and associated with fusion in less than optimal position, particularly equinus. With arthroscopic arthrodesis techniques, wound complications and scarring can be further reduced while obtaining similar fusion rates and equivalent, if not better, functional results when compared with open techniques.
Keywords: ankle, hindfoot, fusion, screws, plate, anterior approach, transfibular
Published: August 1, 2020 Show citation
References
- Abdo RV, Wasilewski SA. Ankle Arthrodesis: a long term study. Foot Ankle. 1992;13:307-312.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Albert E. Zur Resektion des Kniegelenkes. Wien Med Press 1879;20:705-708.
- Allegra F, Maffulli N, Cerza F, Delianni E. Postero-medial approach procedure in the supine position for a one step anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy. Sports Med Arthrosc. 2009;17:185-189.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Betz MM, Benninger EE, Favre PP, Wieser KK, Vich MM, Espinosa N. Primary stability and stiffness in ankle arthrodeses-Crossed screws versus anterior plating. Foot Ankle Surg. 2013;19:168-172.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Buck P, Morrey BF, Chao EY. The optimum position of arthrodesis of the ankle. A gait study of the knee and ankle. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1987;69(7):1052-1062
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Charnley J: Compression arthrodesis of the ankle and shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1951;33:180-191.
Go to original source...
- Clifford C, Berg S, McCann K, Hutchinson B. A biomechanical comparison of internal fixation techniques for ankle arthrodesis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2015 Mar-Apr;54(2):188-91
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Coester LM, Saltzman CL, Leopold J, Pontarelli W. Long-term results following ankle arthrodesis for post-traumatic arthritis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001;83:219-228.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Colonna PC, Ralston EL. Operative approaches to the ankle joint. Am J Surg. 1951;82:44.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Coughlin MJ, Nery C, Baumfeld D, Jastifer J, Tibiotarsal compression arthrodesis using a lateral locking plate. Rev Bras Ortop. 2015;47:611-615.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Daniels TR, Younger AS, Penner M, Wing K, Dryden PJ, Wong H, Glazebrook M. Intermediate-term results of total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis: a COFAS multicenter study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014;96:135-142.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Dereymaeker GP, Van Eygen P, Driesen R, Ferm A De. Tibiotalar arthrodesis in the rheumatoid foot, Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998;349:43-47.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Dohm MP, Benjamin JB, Harrison J, Szivek JA. A biomechanical evaluation of three forms of internal fixation used in ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int 1994;15(6):297-300
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Easley M, Looney C, Wellman S, ilson J. Ankle arthrodesis using ring external fixation. Tech Foot Ankle Surg. 2006;5:150-163.
Go to original source...
- Endres T, Grass R, Rammelt S, Zwipp H. Ankle arthrodesis with four cancellous lag screws. Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2005;17:345-360.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Ferguson Z, Anugraha A, Janghir N, Pillai A. Ankle arthrodesis: A long term review of the literature. J Orthop. 2019;16:430-433.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Fragomen AT, Borst E, Schachter L, Lyman S, Rozbruch SR. Complex ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov method yields high rate of fusion. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012;470:2864-2873.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Frey C, Halikus NM, Vu-Rose T, Ebramzadeh E. A review of ankle arthrodesis: predisposing factors to non-union. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15:581-584.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Gaedke IE, Wiebking U, O'Loughlin PF, Krettek C, Gaulke R. Clinical and radiological mid- to long-term outcomes following ankle fusion. In Vivo. 2018;32:1463-1471.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Gallie WE. Arthrodesis of the ankle joint. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1948;30:619-621.
Go to original source...
- Gharehdaghi M, Rahimi H, Mousavian A. Anterior ankle arthrodesis with molded plate: technique and outcomes. Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2014;2:203-209.
- Glazebrook M, Daniels T, Younger A, Foote CJ, Penner M, Wing K, Lau J, Leighton R, Dunbar M. Comparison of health-related quality of life between patients with end-stage ankle and hip arthrosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90:499-505.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Glick JM, Morgan CD, Myserson MS, Sampson TG, Mann JA. Ankle arthrodesis using an arthroscopic method: Long-term follow-up of 34 cases. Arthroscopy. 1996;12:428-434.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Goetzmann T, Molé D, Jullion S, Roche O, Sirveaux F, Jacquot A. Influence of fixation with two vs. three screws on union of arthroscopic tibio-talar arthrodesis: comparative radiographic study of 111 cases. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2016;102:651-656.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Goldberg AJ, Macgregor A, Dawson J, Singh D, Cullen N, Sharp RJ, Cooke PH. The demand incidence of symptomatic ankle osteoarthritis presenting to foot & ankle surgeons in the United Kingdom. Foot (Edinb) 2012;22:163-166.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Gougoulias NE, Agathangelidis FG, Parsons SW. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int. 2007;28:695-706.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Gutteck N, Lebek S, Zeh A, Gradl G, Delank KS, Wohlrab D. Ankle arthrodesis with an posterolateral approach using a polyaxial angle stable Talarlock® plate.(German) Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2013;25:615-623.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Haddad SL, Coetzee JC, Estok R, Fahrbach K, Banel D, Nalysnyk L. Intermediate and long term outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis. A systematic review of the literature. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89:1899-1905.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Hallock H. Arthrodesis of the ankle joint for old, painful fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1945;27:49-58
- Hansen ST. Functional Reconstruction of the Foot and Ankle. Philadelphia, Lippincott, 2000;pp. 283-292
- Hefti FL, Baumann JU, Morscher EW. Ankle joint fusion: determination of optimal position by gait analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1980;96:187-195.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Henderson MS, Stuck WG. Fractures of the ankle: recent and old. J Bone Joint Surg. Am. 1933;15:882-888.
- Hendricks RP, Kerkhoffs GM, Stufkens SA, van Dijk CN, Marti RK. Ankle fusion using a 2-incision, 3-screw technique. Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2011;23:131-134.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Holt ES, Hansen ST, Mayo KA, Sangeorzan BJ. Ankle arthrodesis using internal screw fixation. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991;268:21-28.
- Honnenahalli Chandrappa M, Hajibandeh S, Hajibandeh S. Ankle arthrodesis-Open versus arthroscopic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2017;8(Suppl 2):S71-S77.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Johnson EW, Boseker EH. Arthrodesis of the ankle. Arch Surg. 1968;97:766-773.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Katcherian DA: Treatment of ankle arthrosis. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1998;349:48-57.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kerkhoff YRA, Keijsers NLW, Louwerens JWK. Sports participation, functional outcome, and complications after ankle arthrodesis: midterm follow-up. Foot Ankle Int. 2017;38:1085-1091.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kim HJ, Suh DH, Yang JH, Lee JW, Kim HJ, Ahn HS, Han SW, Choi GW. Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis: a meta-analysis of comparative studies. Int Orthop. 2017;41:101-109.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kim JG, Ha DJ, Gwak HC, Kim CW, Kim JH, Lee SJ, Kim YJ, Lee CR, Park JH. Ankle arthrodesis: comparison of anterior approach and transfibular approach. Clin Orthop Surg. 2018;10:368-373.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kitaoka HB, Anderson PJ, Morrey BF. Revision of ankle arthrodesis with external fixation for malunion. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1992;74:1191-1198.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Labek G, Klaus H, Schlichtherle R, Williams A, Agreiter M. Revision rates after total ankle arthroplasty in sample-based clinical studies and national registries. Foot Ankle Int. 2011;32:740-745.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Lawton CD, Butler BA, Dekker RG 2nd, Prescott A, Kadakia AR. Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis-a comparison of outcomes over the last decade. J Orthop Surg Res. 2017;12:76.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Lee HJ, Min WK, Kim JS, Yoon SD, Kim DH.Transfibular ankle arthrodesis using burring, curettage, multiple drilling, and fixation with two retrograde screws through a single lateral incision. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2016;24:101-105.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Leeuw PA, Hendrickx RP, van Dijk CN, Stufkens SS, Kerkhoffs GM. Midterm results of posterior arthroscopic ankle fusion. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24:1326-1331.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Lenz AL, Nichols JA, Roach KE, Foreman KB, Barg A, Saltzman CL, Anderson AE. Compensatory motion of the subtalar joint following tibiotalar arthrodesis: an in vivo dual-fluoroscopy imaging study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020;102:600-608.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Li Y, He J, Hu Y. Comparison of the efficiency and safety of total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthop Surg. 2020;12:372-377. (Epub ahead of print)
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Maenpaa H, Lehto MU, Belt EA. Why do ankle arthrodeses fail in patients with rheumatic disease? Foot Ankle Int. 2001;22:403-408.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Malerba F, Benedetti MG, Usuelli FG, Milani R, Berti L, Champlon C, Leardini A. Functional and clinical assessment of two ankle arthrodesis techniques. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2015;54:399-405.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Mazur JM, Schwartz E, Simon SR. Ankle arthrodesis. Long-term follow-up with gait analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1979;61:964-975.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Moeckel BH, Patterson BM, Inglis AE, Sculco TP. Ankle arthrodesis. A comparison of internal and external fixation. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991;268:78-83
- Morash J, Walton DM, Glazebrook M. Ankle arthrodesis versus total ankle arthroplasty. Foot Ankle Clin. 2017;22:251-266.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Morasiewicz P, Dejnek M, Orzechowski W, Urbański W, Kulej M, Dragan SŁ2, Dragan SF, Pawik Ł. Clinical evaluation of ankle arthrodesis with Ilizarov fixation and internal fixation. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2019;20:167.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Morrey BF, Wiedemann GP. Complications and long term results of ankle arthrodesis following trauma. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1980;62:777-784.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Myerson MS, Quill G. Ankle arthrodesis: a comparison of an arthroscopic and an open method of treatment. Clin Orthop 1991;268:85-95
- Nasson S, Shuff C, Palmer D, Owen J, Wayne J, Carr J, Adelaar R, May D. Biomechanical comparison of ankle arthrodesis techniques: crossed screws vs. blade plate. Foot Ankle Int. 2001;22:575-580.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Nielsen LL, Linde F, Jensen NC, The outcome of arthroscopic and open surgery ankle arthrodesis: a comparative retrospective study on 107 patients. Foot Ankle Surg. 2008;14:153-157.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- O'Brien TS, Hart TS, Shereff MJ, Stone J, Johnson J. Open versus arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis: A comparative study. Foot Ankle Int. 1999;20:368-374
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Fitsialos D, Hedman TP. Arthrodesis of the ankle: A comparison of two versus three screw fixation in a crossed configuration. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1994;304:195-199.
Go to original source...
- Pedowitz DI, Kane JM, Smith GM, Saffel HL, Comer C, Raikin SM. Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis: a comparative analysis of arc of movement and functional outcomes. Bone Joint J. 2016;98-B:634-640.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Peterson KS, Lee MS, Buddecke DE. Arthroscopic versus open ankle arthrodesis: a retrospective cost analysis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2010;49:242-247.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Peyron JG. The epidemiology of osteoarthritis. In: Moskowitz R, Howell D, Goldberg V, Mankin H (eds). Osteoarthritis. Diagnosis and treatment. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1984, pp.9-27.
- Plaass C, Knupp M, Barg A, Hintermann B. Anterior double plating for rigid fixation of isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int. 2009;30: 631-639.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Potter MJ, Freeman R. Postoperative weightbearing following ankle arthrodesis - a systematic review. Bone Joint J. 2019;101-B:1256-1262.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Quayle J, Shafafy R, Khan MA, Ghosh K, Sakellariou A, Gougoulias N. Arthroscopic versus open ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Surg. 2018;24:137-142.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Raikin SM, Rampuri V. An approach to the failed ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Clin. 2008;13:401-416.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Raikin SM. Arthrodesis of the ankle: arthroscopic. mini-open and open techniques. Foot Ankle Clin. 2003;8:347-359.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Rammelt S, Zwipp H, Hansen ST. Posttraumatic reconstruction of the foot and ankle. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA (eds.). Skeletal trauma, 6th Edition, Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2019, pp.2641-2690.
- Saltzman CL, Kadoko RG, Suh JS.Treatment of isolated ankle osteoarthritis with arthrodesis or the total ankle replacement: a comparison of early outcomes. Clin Orthop Surg. 2010;2:1-7.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Saltzman CL, Salamon ML, Blanchard GM, Huff T, Hayes A, Buckwalter JA, Amendola A. Epidemiology of ankle arthritis: report of a consecutive series of 639 patients from a tertiary orthopaedic center. Iowa Orthop J. 2005;25:44-46.
Go to PubMed...
- Schmid T, Krause F, Penner MJ, Veljkovic A, Younger ASE, Wing K. Effect of preoperative deformity on arthroscopic and open ankle fusion outcomes. Foot Ankle Int. 2017;38:1301-1310.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Sheridan BD, Robinson DE, Hubble MJ, Winson IG. Ankle arthrodesis and its relationship to ipsilateral arthritis of the hind- and mid-foot. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2006;88:206-207.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Steginsky BD, Suhling ML, Vora AM. Ankle arthrodesis with anterior plate fixation in patients at high risk for nonunion. Foot Ankle Spec. 2020;13:211-218.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Takakura Y, Tanaka Y, Sugimoto K, Akiyama K, Tamai S. Long-term results of arthrodesis for osteoarthritis of the ankle. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1999;361:178-185
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Thomas R, Daniels TR, Parker K. Gait analysis and functional outcomes following ankle arthrodesis for isolated ankle arthritis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88:526-535
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Thordarson DB, Markolf K, Cracchiolo A. Stability of an ankle arthrodesis fixed by cancellous-bone screws compared with that fixed by an external fixator. A biomechanical study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1992;74:1050-1055.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Townshend D, Di Silvestro M, Krause F, Penner M, Younger A, Glazebrook M, Wing K. Arthroscopic versus open ankle arthrodesis: A multicenter comparative case series. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013;95:98-102.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Valderrabano V, Horisberger M, Russell I, Dougall H, Hintermann B. Etiology of ankle osteoarthritis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2009;467:1800-1806.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Wheeler J, Sangeorzan A, Crass SM, Sangeorzan BJ, Benirschke SK, Hansen ST. Locally generated bone slurry accelerated ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int. 2009;30:686-689.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Williams JE Jr, Marcinko DE, Lazerson A, Elleby DH.The Calandruccio triangular compression device: a schematic introduction. J Am Podiatr Assoc. 1983;73:536-539.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Woo BJ, Lai MC, Ng S, Rikhraj IS, Koo K. Clinical outcomes comparing arthroscopic vs open ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Surg. 2019;26:530-534.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Yajima H, Kobata Y, Tomita Y, Kawate K, Sugimoto K, Takakura Y. Ankle and pantalar arthrodesis using vascularized fibula grafts. Foot Ankle Int. 2004;25:3-7.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Zvijac JE, Lemak L, Schurhoff MR, Hechtman KS, Uribe JW. Analysis of arthroscopically assisted ankle arthrodesis. Arthroscopy. 2002;18:70-75.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Zwipp H. Arthrodesis of the Ankle. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2017;84:13-23.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Zwipp H, Grass R, Rammelt S, Dahlen C. [Arthrodesis-nonunion of the ankle. Arthrodesis failed] (in German). Chirurg. 1999;70:1216-1224.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Zwipp H, Rammelt S, Endres T, Heineck J. High union rates and function scores at midterm followup with ankle arthrodesis using a four screw technique. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2010;468:958-968.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...