Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis – Surgical technique

End-stage ankle arthritis causes significant pain, disability, and reduction in the quality of life. The common causes of ankle arthritis are post-traumatic (70%), secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (12%), and idiopathic (7%). Surgical arthrodesis of the tibiotalar joint is used to help alleviate the symptoms and signs of end-stage ankle arthritis. The first documented description of ankle arthrodesis is by Albert of Vienna in 1879 who reported curettage of the articular cartilage to enable fusion of the ankle joint. Since that time, this process has been refined significantly culminating in the introduction of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) by Schneider in 1983. AAA is now considered as the current gold standard to help achieve effective and predictable pain relief and improved function for patients who suffer with end-stage ankle arthritis.