We evaluated the results in thirteen patients with disabling tibiotalar
arthritis who underwent a new operation for ankle fusion for relief of
pain. The procedure in all of these patients was a chevron (pitched-roof)
tibiotalar osteotomy and excision of the joint. A bilateral approach to the
ankle joint was used and the arthrodesis was supplemented by internal
fixation and a tibial onlay graft applied medially. There were few
complications, none of them of major importance. The after-care required
only immobilization in a short cast. All but one patient had a solid
fusion. The final result was a normal-looking ankle with good function.