Ilizarov Ankle Arthrodesis provides stable fixation and early healing of fusion site: study

The retrospective study by Ajit Chalak found that - the Ilizarov fixator for ankle arthrodesis provides an excellent way for strong bone fusion, infection eradication, early weight-bearing and the added benefits of compression at the arthrodesis site post-operatively.

Infection around the ankle joint after fracture fixation, or septic arthritis with active discharging sinuses is often challenging to manage with conventional procedures of arthrodesis. The Ilizarov method of arthrodesis gives a better alternative for salvage in such cases. The Ilizarov device is a flexible external fixator that permits dynamic and multidirectional stresses to be applied. The ability to alter the alignment of the hindfoot and forefoot after the surgery by repositioning the frame as required is a distinct benefit of the Ilizarov technique, allowing for the rectification of intraoperative errors or early postoperative loss of position. These advantages significantly improve the outcome of the surgery and are quite helpful in the correction of malalignment, providing an improved level of activity, and pain management.

Ajit Chalak et al conducted a retrospective study including 20 patients who were subjected to tibiotalar arthrodesis with Ilizarov method. The major pathologies included internal fixation of ankle fractures complicated by infection, posttraumatic infected ankle arthritis, and osteomyelitis. The patients were evaluated on the basis of Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. The aim of the surgery was to achieve plantigrade, stable, and painless foot with no signs of infection.