Introduction:

Open fractures of the distal third of the tibia or pilon are rare, in our environment they are caused by high-energy traumas such as traffic accidents, and can be of different degrees depending on their size. Common complications include nonunion, deformities, and post-traumatic arthritis. When pain is refractory to analgesics, arthrodesis is indicated.

Objective:

To report the results of the treatment carried out in a patient with distal tibial pseudoarthrosis and post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle, painful, with a large soft tissue injury, which made it impossible to perform the usual surgical procedures.

Case report:

Arthrodesis of the tibiofibular-talar-calcaneal joints was performed, using a free graft of the autologous fibula, compression, and stabilization with a RALCA® external fixator. A pulsatile electromagnetic field was associated to accelerate bone callus formation and reduce postoperative pain. This patient was followed up for two years.

Conclusions:

The treatment objective was achieved by fusing the tibiotarsal joint, by starting early support and functional capacity. The results also prove the benefits of compression performed with external fixators in arthrodesis. The use of the associated electromagnetic field accelerated osteogenesis, bone consolidation and stabilization were achieved, edema and pain decreased, as well as the patient's reincorporation into society. No other similar surgical technique was found in the reviewed literature.

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