Distal Tibial Dome Osteotomy With Ilizarov Fixation in Correction of Ankle Deformity Resulting From Malunited Ankle Fusion

Background: Distal tibial osteotomy is used in the treatment of ankle deformities. Many methods of fixation of this osteotomy were described, including plates, pins, and ilizarov. Dome osteotomy is a cylindrical osteotomy with no bone loss, with the axis of bone is rotated around the center of the circle. We conducted a case series of treatment of ankle deformity due to malunited ankle fusion with distal tibial dome osteotomy. Methods: Eight patients with a history of poliomyelitis with ankle deformity due to a malunited ankle fusion underwent distal tibial dome osteotomy with ilizarov fixation for deformity correction. Postoperative follow up was done up to 12 months postoperatively. We intended to follow up the union of the osteotomy, the axis of the limb, the external clinical appearance, and patient satisfaction. Results: Deformity correction was achieved in all patients regarding the clinical alignment, with no apparent clinical residual deformity in coronal, sagittal plane, or rotational deformity, the limb was cosmetically straight with a plantigrade foot satisfactory to the patients with improving quality of gait. The osteotomy fully united in all patients in a period of 8 to 11 weeks with an average of 9.3 weeks, after which frame was removed. No patient had nonunion or delayed union of the osteotomy. Three patients had pin tract infection during the period of the fixator which was treated by local dressings and antibiotics. Conclusion: Distal tibial focal dome osteotomy fixed by ilizarov is an effective treatment option in malunited ankle fusion deformities.