Ilizarov Ankle Fusion

A 27 year old male developed osteomyelitis after standard current treatment of an open bimalleolar (pilon) ankle fracture, despite successful fracture healing. He underwent osteomyelitis treatment, including hardware removal, intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy, several further debridement procedures, and local antibiotic delivery via CaSO4/tobramycin/vancomycin beads. He was ultimately treated with Ilizarov fine wire external fixation frame (Ilizarov) arthrodesis. Solid fusion occurred after 4 months in the frame. The frame was then removed and the fusion continued to mature over time.