Abstract
The stability of fixation of the tibia and talus during ankle arthrodesis remains a subject of scientific research. Finding the optimal method for fixing the tibiotalar joint is a pressing issue in traumatology and orthopedics. This study compares the stability of ankle joint fixation during arthrodesis using three spongy screws and an anterior plate combined with two spongy screws. Biomechanical characteristics of ankle joint fixation systems were evaluated on polyurethane foam models in two experimental series: the firs model utilized three spongy screws, and the second model employed a developed plate combined with two spongy screws. The stability of fixation of the ankle joint during arthrodesis was compared between these two approaches. Under minimum cyclic load (20 N), the displacement amplitude was 0.012 mm for the first variant and 0.008 mm for the second variant. Under maximum cyclic load (800 N), the displacement amplitude was 0.106 mm for the first variant and 0.03 mm for the second variant. The study revealed that fixation of the ankle joint during arthrodesis with a plate and two spongy screws provides greater stability compared to fixation with three spongy screws. This suggests that the proposed plate and screws create better conditions for the formation of ankle joint ankylosis. Given the positive biomechanical results, it is recommended to further test this method in clinical conditions.