Anterior Approach for Ankle Arthrodesis

Video Description

Full video: http://surgicaltechniques.jbjs.org/content/7/2/e10

End-stage ankle arthritis may be treated successfully with either an ankle arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Both surgical interventions have demonstrated success with regard to pain relief and function. Ankle arthrodesis is indicated for patients with recalcitrant ankle pain despite appropriate nonoperative intervention. Patients who have a history of posttraumatic arthritis from a high-energy injury, soft-tissue compromise, limited range of motion, or deformity may be superior candidates for arthrodesis. The surgical technique can be undertaken with either an open or an arthroscopic approach. An open anterior approach with an anatomic precontoured locking plate is ideal for patients with deformity and/or bone loss. Additionally, the use of a precontoured plate assists with achieving a neutral alignment in both the coronal and the sagittal plane, which is critical to the long-term success of the procedure. No hardware, however, substitutes for appropriate surgical technique, which is the focus of this video article.