Ankle Arthrodesis Using Ring External Fixation

Contemporary recommendations for primary and revision ankle arthrodesis favor internal compression techniques using screw and/or plate fixation, with satisfactory out-comes being reported for most patients. Recently, com-parable union rates and results of primary and revision tibiotalar arthrodeses have been reported using ring external fixation. In select patients, tibiotalar arthrodesis with internal fixation may be limited or even contraindicated given insufficient bone stock to adequately support implants, an abundance of avascular bone, or a history of osteomyelitis. Ring external fixation may facilitate clini-cally acceptable limb salvage in these complex cases. This review paper describes the authors ’ experience using ring external fixation for ankle arthrodesis