Arthrodesis of a Varus Ankle

Abstract

Patients with varus ankle deformity and concomitant osteoarthritis experience severe disabling pain that affects their daily activity of living. Most cases rarely respond to nonoperative treatment. One surgical option is corrective ankle arthrodesis. Unfortunately, this corrective surgery is challenging and might not be possible as a purely isolated procedure. Corrective ankle arthrodesis for varus ankle is performed with different surgical approaches and techniques, using different methods of fixations. The goal of surgery is to create a pain-free, stable, and plantigrade ankle, hindfoot, and foot. Both the foot and ankle must be correctly aligned in the optimal position for proper locomotion.

Keywords: Ankle arthrodesis; Ankle fusion; Ankle osteoarthritis; Cavovarus; Varus ankle.