Observational studyJournal of foot and ankle research2023
Rate of progressive healing with a carbon-fiber orthosis in cases of partial union and nonunion after ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixator.
Observational study in Journal of foot and ankle research, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 2 citations in OpenAlex.
- Salvage of Complex Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture Non-union after Failed Tibiotalocalcaneal and Charnley Arthrodesis using Fibular Strut Grafting and Ilizarov Fixation: A Case Report.Journal of orthopaedic case reports · 2026Article
- Ilizarov fixator as salvage procedure after frustrating arthrodesis using intramedullary nailing - is there a chance of consolidation?Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery · 2024Article
- Limb Reconstruction System Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation for Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A New Application.Orthopaedic surgery · 2023Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe Ilizarov fixator is a popular device for treating arthrodesis of the ankle joint in complex situations. However, the therapy can fail, with nonunion or partial union that might not be load stable. There is the possibility of follow-up surgery or extended wearing of the fixator. Full weight bearing with a carbon orthosis remains another treatment option, which has not yet been investigated.The aim of the study was to determine the rate of progress that can be obtained with a carbon orthosis in cases of partial union or nonunion after fixator removal.
methodsIn this retrospective observational study thirty-three patients received a carbon orthosis after fixator removal due to nonunion or partial union. All patients were allowed to walk with the orthosis under full load. The consolidation rate was determined radiologically and compared with the imaging data obtained during the last follow-up. In addition to demographic data, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure and pain using a numeric rating scale were determined. Nine patients had to be excluded due to insufficient follow-up, and finally n = 24 patients were included in the study.
resultsThe average duration of fixator use was 21 weeks (range 15-40 weeks), and the total average follow-up after removal of the fixator was 16 months (range 4- 56). For 14 (58.33%) patients, there was a further increase in consolidation with the orthosis after the fixator was removed.
conclusionThe results show that if there is only partial union or nonunion, further consolidations can be achieved after the application of a carbon orthosis. In a difficult patient population, using an orthosis should therefore be attempted to avoid unnecessary revision operations.
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