Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of three different internal fixation methods in ankle arthrodesis. Methods A total of 69 cases which ankle arthrodesis was performed with three different internal fixation methods and followed up successfully with complete data from June 2008 to September 2016 were selected. Among them, 45 cases were treated with tension screw fusion, 16 with plate screw fusion, and 8 with retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail fusion. The effect of three different internal fixation methods in ankle arthrodesis was summarized. Results All the patients were followed up for 16 months to 5 years (average 22 months). The incision of all patients healed in one stage, and the fusion position of X-ray ankle joint was moderate. In the tension screw fusion group and the steel plate screw fusion group, 1 case of internal fixation was broken and loose, and the fusion failed. The successful time of ankle fusion was 13 to 30 weeks (average of 19. 5 weeks), 20. 5 weeks in the simple tension screw group, 18 weeks in the plate screw group, and 16. 5 weeks in the retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail group. Conclusion The best way of ankle fusion should be selected according to the patients′ specific condition, fixed instruments and doctors′ surgical skills. The tension screw fusion, plate screw fusion and retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail fusion have their own advantages. Intramedullary nail fixation is stable and reliable, does not need external fixation, can be early loaded and bone fusion is good, postoperative function recovery is good, suitable for ankle joint, subtalar joint with serious arthritis.