J Wound Manag Res.  2020 Feb;16(1):64-67. 10.22467/jwmr.2019.01004.

Salvaging a Severely Burned Ankle Using Arthrodesis and Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap

• Suh JM
• Chang YJ
• Chung CH
• Kim GL

• KMID: 2504090
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22467/jwmr.2019.01004

Abstract

A 72-year-old male patient without underlying diseases presented with a flame burn injury on the fibula and talus of the ankle joint and soft tissue around the posterior lower leg. Necrotic tissue was removed with surgical debridement. Amputation was considered because loss of the bony structure on the ankle joint, including the fibula, hindered stability of the joint. We covered the soft tissue defect using an anterolateral thigh free flap and salvaged the limb using ankle and subtalar arthrodesis with tibiotalocalcaneal intramedullary nailing. The patient began self-ambulation 1 month after the surgery and did not develop any complications.

Keyword

Ankle joint; Salvage therapy; Burns; Arthrodesis; Reconstructive surgical procedures