J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2019 Dec;23(4):189-195. 10.14193/jkfas.2019.23.4.189.

Efficacy of Ilizarov External Fixation and Autologous Bone Grafting for Performing Arthrodesis on the Ankle Arthropathy with Risk Factors

• Lee YS
• Nam IH
• Lee TH
• Ahn GY
• Lee YH
• Lee HH
• Hwang SH

• KMID: 2465943
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2019.23.4.189

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to evaluate if the Ilizarov external fixation procedure with axial compression can help to obtain fusion across the ankle joint in patients with a high risk of nonunion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From January 2006 to December 2015, the study reviewed 17 patients who underwent ankle arthropathy with a high risk of nonunion and who underwent ankle fusion using the Ilizarov external fixator with axial compression and auto bone grafting. After the lateral surface of the ankle joint was exposed through a lateral trans-fibular approach, massive removal of the articular cartilage and excision of any loose or avascular bone were done. With the cortical bone harvested from the pelvis as corticocancellous bone blocks, we inserted the two cortical blocks longitudinally into the anterior and posterior part of the free ankle space from lateral to medial to make the rectangular chamber to fill the cancellous bones. After the Ilizarov external fixator was equipped, we tightened the frame by 5 mm to compress the bone graft space. We accessed the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score both preoperatively and postoperatively.
RESULTS
The average age at the time of operation was 63.4 years (range, 47~78 years). The mean frame time was 17.4 weeks (range, 15~23 weeks). The average follow-up period was 3.7 years (range, 2~6 years). Osseous fusion was obtained in 15 patients (88.2%). There were two stable pseudarthroses among the rheumatoid arthritis patients, and we continued their follow-up. The mean AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score improved from 48.5 to 73.7 points.
CONCLUSION
Ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixation with axial compression and auto bone grafting on the ankle arthropathy that had difficult conditions to achieve union is considered one of the useful methods with a correspondingly low incidence of complications.

Keyword

Ankle arthropathy; Ilizarov technique; Ankle arthrodesis

MeSH Terms

Ankle Joint
Ankle*
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Arthrodesis*
Bone Transplantation*
Cartilage, Articular
External Fixators
Follow-Up Studies
Foot
Humans
Ilizarov Technique
Incidence
Pelvis
Pseudarthrosis
Risk Factors*
Transplants

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 (A) The left ankle of a 78-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis shows marked secondary arthritis. (B, C) Articular cartilage and sclerotic avascular bone around the ankle joint were massively removed. (D) Temporary fixation through the calcaneus, talus, and tibia was done using a Steinman pin.

• 

  Figure 2 Multiple drilling was done on both talar (A) and distal tibial surface (B).

• 

  Figure 3 Illustrations of making the rectangular chamber (A) and filling bone graft (B, C).

• 

  Figure 4 (A) A 53-year-old male, lateral radiograph showed avascular necrosis of the talar body due to comminuted fracture of the talus. (B) Necrotic talar body was removed completely. (C) We inserted two cortical blocks longitudinally into the anterior and posterior part of free ankle space from lateral to medial to make a rectangular chamber. (D) We filled the chamber with the autogenous cancellous bones. (E) We confirmed the solid bony union at 26 weeks after operation.

• 

  Figure 5 (A, B) After the Ilizarov external fixator which was composed of two tibial rings and one foot plate was equipped, we tightened the frame by 5 mm to compress the bone graft space.

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  Figure 6 (A) Anteroposterior radiopraph of a 65-year-old male with diabetic charcot neuroarthropathic joint. (B) We confirmed the solid bony union at 38 weeks after operation.

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  Figure 7 (A, B) Radiographs of 47-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis of the left ankle joint, before the operation. (C, D) Radiographs of stable pseudarthrosis at 6 years of follow-up after operation.

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