Transarticular cross-screw fixation : a technique of ankle arthrodesis

Many techniques of ankle arthrodesis have been described. Failure rates of up to 40% have been reported in the past. In this study, a technique for internal fixation of ankle fusions was employed using transarticular crossed-screw fixation. This provides bony coaptation, compression, and immobilization necessary for reliable union. Thirty-five patients had ankle arthrodesis with this technique of internal fixation and 12 patients had ankle fusions with Charnley compression arthrodesis. Follow-up evaluation averaged two years. The fusion rate was 100% (35 fusions of 35 attempts) with the transarticular crossed-screw technique and 83% (ten fusions of 12 attempts) with compression arthrodesis.