Internal Fixation Compression Arthrodesis of the Ankle

Sixteen patients were treated by internal compression arthrodesis of the ankle using cancellous screw fixation. Thirteen patients had a preoperative diagnosis of traumatic osteoarthritis, and three patients had rheumatoid arthritis. All patients were followed until clinical and roentgenographic evidence of union had been obtained (average, 15.1 months). Union was obtained in 15 of 16 cases (94%) by an average of 9.2 weeks. The average ankle evaluation score was 77 points, with 80% of the patients rated good or excellent. Suboptimal results were attributed to technical errors. Midtarsal motion averaged 18 degrees, and subtalar motion was present in the majority of patients after surgery. This technique provides a high union rate while permitting early mobilization of the adjacent hindfoot and midfoot joints with earlier return to satisfactory function.