Arthroscopic ankle fusion - Guide wires
The midpoint of the remaining bone of the medial face of the tibia is the ideal point for insertion of the screws for arthroscopic ankle fusion. A DePuy 6.5/8.0mm Ace cannulated screw system is used. The thread of screw chosen should be the shortest available. The guides supplied with the set as standard are rather thick and leave sizable stress risers in the bone if they need to be re-positioned. The guide wires can be downsized to a smaller DePuy guide wire. Initially position the guide wire under AP image intensification. The aim of the first guide wire for arthroscopic ankle fusion is that it should be into the lateral talus on the AP view and in the mid talus on the lateral view. Initially drill the Guide wire perpendicular to the long axis of the shaft to gain purchase, then angulate the wire.