Ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov apparatus - Good results in 6 patients

We report our experience with the Ilizarov apparatus in performing ankle ar throdesis in 6 patients. The average age of the patients was 52 (42-60) yea rs, 3 patients had posttraumatic arthrosis and active infection of the ankl e or distal tibia and the other 3 had posttraumatic arthrosis of the ankle without infection. Solid and painless arthrodesis was achieved in all patie nts in 7-15 weeks, including those with an active infection or faded multip le previous operations. While the method is useful for primary treatment of ankle arthrosis, we think it is better for treatment of certain complicate d cases.