Open posterior approach for tibiotalar arthrodesis.

Traumatic injury to the ankle and hindfoot often results in tibiotalar or subtalar arthritis. The associated joint pain, stiffness, and deformity may be difficult to treat with conservative measures. For such problems, arthrodesis of the ankle or hindfoot joints is the mainstay of treatment. This article discusses the application of the posterior approach to complete a tibiotalar and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis as well as its use for converting a failed total ankle arthroplasty to an arthrodesis. Published by Elsevier Inc.