THE ILIZAROV TECHNIQUE IN ANKLE FUSION

Failed ankle arthrodesis represents a significant challenge to the ort hopaedist today. The complexity of this problem is further increased w hen associated with additional complications, such as osteomyelitis, l eg length discrepancy, or concomitant foot deformity. In many instance s, the only viable salvage alternative is amputation. The authors repo rt 21 cases of complex distal tibial pathology or failed ankle arthrod esis treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. Of the 20 cases avail able for follow-up evaluation, 16 (80%) achieved good results with sol id ankle arthrodesis and resolution of associated pathology. The Iliza rov fixator may be a viable clinical tool in these difficult cases in which amputation is the alternative.