Primary Arthrodesis in Severely Comminuted Fractures

Abstract

At present there is controversy regarding the appropriate treatment of severely comminuted fractures of the lower extremity. Even with near-perfect anatomic reduction of severely comminuted fractures, development of posttraumatic arthritis is still present at an increased rate. Primary fusion of comminuted fractures of the foot and ankle creates successful and predictable outcomes, which dismisses the chance of developing posttraumatic arthritis and decreases complications and the need for revisional procedures.

Keywords: Arthrodesis; Comminuted fractures; High-energy trauma; Intra-articular fracture; Primary fusion.