Ilizarov ring fixator for ankle fusion: a gold standard in managing complex ankle pathologies
https://doi.org/10.18019/1028-4427-2025-31-3-279-286
Abstract
Introduction Ankle arthrodesis is a surgical procedure for end-stage arthritis and complex ankle pathologies, offering a limb-salvaging alternative to amputation. This study aims to present clinical experience with the Ilizarov apparatus in achieving stable, painless ankle fusion in patients with varied complex ankle pathologies.
Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted involving 27 patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov fixator between 2014 and 2024. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed using the ASAMI scoring system. Surgical techniques, patient demographics, and outcomes were analyzed.
Results All 27 patients achieved successful bone union. ASAMI Bone results were rated excellent in 23 and good in 4. Functional outcomes were rated as good in 22 patients and fair in 5. Pin tract infections were effectively managed with antibiotics. The Ilizarov technique demonstrated superior results in achieving stable, pain-free ankles, even in cases with severe osteomyelitis and destroyed ankles with deformities.
Discussion The Ilizarov apparatus provides a minimally invasive, versatile approach for complex ankle pathologies, enabling dynamic axial compression, early weight-bearing, and deformity correction. Despite limitations such as high costs and skill requirements, its success rate surpasses that of internal fixation techniques.
Conclusion The Ilizarov apparatus is the gold standard for ankle arthrodesis, offering stable fusion and addressing comorbidities such as osteomyelitis and limb length discrepancy, with high patient satisfaction and functional recovery.
About the Authors
M. Dhawan
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
India
India
Dr. Manish Dhawan — Professor, Head of the Department
New Delhi
B. Nandan
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
India
India
Dr. Brajesh Nandan — Senior consultant
New Delhi
R. K. Guhan
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
India
India
Dr. Rayappan Kumaresan Guhan — Research Fellow
New Delhi
S. Dwivedi
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
India
India
Dr. Sahil Dwivedi — Post-graduate student
New Delhi
M. Prasad
Armed Forces Medical College
India
India
Dr. Manish Prasad — Senior consultant
New Delhi
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Review
For citations:
Dhawan M., Nandan B., Guhan R.K., Dwivedi S., Prasad M. Ilizarov ring fixator for ankle fusion: a gold standard in managing complex ankle pathologies. Genij Ortopedii. 2025;31(3):279-286. https://doi.org/10.18019/1028-4427-2025-31-3-279-286
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