Joystick of the Talus for Correcting Malalignment During Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis: A Surgical Tip

Abstract

Ankle arthrodesis has been widely reported as an effective solution in treating tibiotalar joint osteoarthritis. The arthroscopic tibiotalar approach for arthrodesis has also been proven to give excellent results in terms of bone fusion rates and reduction of wound-related pain and complications. Historically, ankle malalignment has represented one of the main contraindications for the arthroscopic procedure, but interestingly some investigators have shown that the coronal joint deformity may be addressed arthroscopically as well. Other investigators have also demonstrated that part of the valgus/varus is due to malrotation of the talus within the mortise; therefore, controlling the talar position becomes crucial for correcting more severe deformities. We present here a technique for correcting tibiotalar malalignment during arthroscopic arthrodesis in varus or valgus ankles, performed through a K-wire used as a joystick to manage the talar position on both the coronal and axial planes.