Ankle arthrodesis in the presence of continuous sepsis. Indications, methods, and results.

On 26 patients, 28 ankle fusions were performed and followed 2 or more years. A functional limb salvage was gained in 25 limbs (96%) with an overall arrest rate of 92%. There was one amputation (4%). The major complication rate was 38% for the series and 86% for patients with uncorrected wound-healing deficiencies (B-hosts). All of the first and second treatment failures were associated with a central column deficiency (C-).