[External or internal fixation for arthrodesis of the ankle -- a comparative study of perioperative and long-term results].

SUBJECT: This study evaluates the results of external and internal fixation techniques for arthrodesis of the ankle.

METHODS: Perioperative and subjective, clinical, and radiological long-term results (average follow-up: 9 years) in 55 patients following arthrodesis of the ankle due to posttraumatic arthritis were compared in two groups with different fixation techniques--compression arthrodesis with external fixator (AO) or internal screw fixation.

RESULTS: Patients with external fixation revealed a significantly higher deep infection rate, which was treated conservatively, while the rates of nounion, revision surgery due to infection, and total revision surgery did not show any difference in the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Both surgical techniques applied mostly guarantee a safe and stabile fixation in arthrodesis of the ankle and provide convincing long-term results without showing a difference in comparing the outcome.