Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative Approach

Ankle joint distraction (AJD) has gained increasing recognition as a joint-preserving strategy in the management of complex posttraumatic ankle injuries, particularly in younger, active patients where traditional salvage procedures may compromise long-term function. This invited article presents a d...

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Main Authors: Beth Lineham, Hemant Sharma
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publisher 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific)
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.jfasap.com/doi/JFASAP/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10040-1407
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author Beth Lineham
Hemant Sharma
author_facet Beth Lineham
Hemant Sharma
author_sort Beth Lineham
collection DOAJ
description Ankle joint distraction (AJD) has gained increasing recognition as a joint-preserving strategy in the management of complex posttraumatic ankle injuries, particularly in younger, active patients where traditional salvage procedures may compromise long-term function. This invited article presents a detailed surgical technique for AJD utilizing a circular external fixator system. Indications include posttraumatic osteoarthritis, talar chondral lesions, and residual joint incongruity following intra-articular fractures. The technique involves meticulous preoperative planning, precise application of the external fixator, and gradual joint distraction. Intraoperative considerations, distraction protocols, and postoperative rehabilitation strategies are described to guide optimal outcomes. Pearls and common pitfalls are discussed, emphasizing the importance of patient selection and multidisciplinary care. AJD offers a promising approach for biologic joint preservation in a select trauma population. This article aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, from preoperative planning to postoperative care, to support the successful implementation of this procedure.
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institution Kabale University
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publishDate 2025-06-01
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series Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific)
spelling doaj-art-0b2139553bf14ce687fc4db2fb53b4a92025-08-20T03:41:14ZengJaypee Brothers Medical PublisherJournal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific)2348-280X2394-77052025-06-0112313213710.5005/jp-journals-10040-14076Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative ApproachBeth Lineham0Hemant Sharma1https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3781-1651Beth Lineham, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom, Phone: +44 113 262 3404Hull University Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Hull, United KingdomAnkle joint distraction (AJD) has gained increasing recognition as a joint-preserving strategy in the management of complex posttraumatic ankle injuries, particularly in younger, active patients where traditional salvage procedures may compromise long-term function. This invited article presents a detailed surgical technique for AJD utilizing a circular external fixator system. Indications include posttraumatic osteoarthritis, talar chondral lesions, and residual joint incongruity following intra-articular fractures. The technique involves meticulous preoperative planning, precise application of the external fixator, and gradual joint distraction. Intraoperative considerations, distraction protocols, and postoperative rehabilitation strategies are described to guide optimal outcomes. Pearls and common pitfalls are discussed, emphasizing the importance of patient selection and multidisciplinary care. AJD offers a promising approach for biologic joint preservation in a select trauma population. This article aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, from preoperative planning to postoperative care, to support the successful implementation of this procedure.https://www.jfasap.com/doi/JFASAP/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10040-1407ankle fracturearthritisarthrodiastasisarticular fracturesdistractionpilon fracturetalus fractures
spellingShingle Beth Lineham
Hemant Sharma
Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative Approach
Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific)
ankle fracture
arthritis
arthrodiastasis
articular fractures
distraction
pilon fracture
talus fractures
title Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative Approach
title_full Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative Approach
title_fullStr Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative Approach
title_full_unstemmed Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative Approach
title_short Ankle Joint Distraction in Traumatic Injuries: Step-by-Step Operative Approach
title_sort ankle joint distraction in traumatic injuries step by step operative approach
topic ankle fracture
arthritis
arthrodiastasis
articular fractures
distraction
pilon fracture
talus fractures
url https://www.jfasap.com/doi/JFASAP/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10040-1407
work_keys_str_mv AT bethlineham anklejointdistractionintraumaticinjuriesstepbystepoperativeapproach
AT hemantsharma anklejointdistractionintraumaticinjuriesstepbystepoperativeapproach