Use of internal compression in arthrodesis of the ankle.

An ankle arthrodesis was done on twenty-five patients, using a specially designed T-plate. The T-plate provides a compressive force across the ankle of approximately 18.5 newtons per square meter and is most often applied through a medial approach to the ankle joint. This new approach provides excellent exposure and supplementary bone graft, and facilitates alignment of the ankle and foot in a neutral position. A successful arthrodesis was obtained in each patient. In the thirteen patients for whom a functional rating could be obtained, the average preoperative score of 47 points improved to an average postoperative score of 82 points.