Arthrodesis of the Upper Ankle and Subtalar Joint Indication and Technique

Zusammenfassung Arthrodesen des oberen Sprunggelenks und Ruckfu ss es sind etablierte und weit verbreitete Verfahren zur Behandlung fortgeschrittener Arthrosen des Sprunggelenks und Ruckfu ss es, die uberwiegend posttraumatisch bedingt sind. Auch Fehlstellungen konnen fur die Arthrose ursachlich sein. Arthrodesen haben nach wie vor ihre Berechtigung. Der Artikel bietet ein Update zum Thema. Abstract Arthrodesis of the upper ankle and subtalar joint are still frequently used and at the moment the gold standard in the therapy of severe arthritis and deformity of the ankle joint and hindfoot. The spectrum of indications is wide, beginning from posttraumatic or degenerative changes to postinfectious, rheumatoid and diabetic causes of arthritis and as a salvage procedure after failed ankle arthroplasty. The types of arthrodesis have to be differentiated from each other: tibiotalar, subtalar and tibiotalcalcaneal fusion. Soft tissue conditions have to be taken into account; these and individual factors like comorbidities and osseous conditions require an individual planning of the approaches and types of fixation.

Automated summary

Arthrodesis of the upper ankle and subtalar joint remains a common and well-established method for treating severe arthritis and deformity of the ankle joint and hindfoot, with a wide range of indications and the need for consideration of soft tissue and individual factors.