Ilizarov in ankle fracture dislocations

ILIZAROV IN ANKLE FRACTURE DISLOCATIONS

Sir Percival Pott mentions that ankle is the most unforgiving joint in human body and even minor imperfections are not tolerated in the long run. Thus open reduction accurately and precise fixation is the commonly accepted method, especially after it has been popularised by AO.

Ilizarov however is a far more elegant method, which is non invasive, and essentially biological, always producing superior results to internal fixations.

The patient is a 50 year old preacher who had a fall and violently twisted his ankle out of shape. The dislocation was reduced by a pehelvan and he was then referred to me. It was a Massinouve type ankle fracture dislocation with an involvement of syndesmosis and the posteriolateral complex.

A one and a half ring assembly in an elegant olive wire all wire construct was all that was needed to solve all issues and allow immediate weight bearing. This is a progressive construct or ring by ring assembly. The frame is expected to be removed in 45 to 60 days.