Lateral Transfibular Ankle Fusion - Medical Animation
This animation may only be used in support of a single legal proceeding and for no other purpose. Read our License Agreement for details. To license this image for other purposes, click here.
Lateral Transfibular Ankle Fusion - Medical Animation
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Lateral transfibular ankle fusion is an open surgical procedure that fuses, or joins, the ankle bones together. The ankle is the joint that connects the leg and the foot. The ankle joint includes the two lower leg bones, called the tibia and the fibula, and the ankle bone, called the talus. Together, the ends of the tibia and fibula create a mortise, or slot, for the talus, which forms the bottom of the ankle joint. Tissues called ligaments and tendons support the ankle bones. Ligaments attach bones to bones, and tendons attach muscles to bones. The ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down. Articular cartilage on the ends of bones is a smooth, gliding covering that allows fluid joint movement. Ankle fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that joins the ankle bones together, so they no longer move or rub against each other. Doctors may recommend this procedure for conditions that lead to severe ankle joint damage and pain. The most common condition is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. In the late stage of osteoarthritis, cartilage covering the ends of the bones has worn away, exposing bare bone. This, along with the growth of bony projections, called bone spurs, causes swelling, pain, and limited movement of the joints. Another condition that may require ankle fusion is rheumatoid arthritis, where the patient's own immune system attacks the joints. Any condition that destroys the joint surface, such as a severe bone infection, or death of bone tissue, called osteonecrosis, may also require a fusion of the ankle joint. The procedure will begin with an incision on the outer, or lateral side of the ankle. Next, the surgeon will remove the bottom part of the fibula. This will allow the surgeon to see the tibia and talus bones of the ankle joint. Cartilage and damaged bone will be removed from the bottom surface of the tibia. This will also be done to the top surface of the talus. Then, two or three metal guide pins will be placed through the bones of the ankle joint. The surgeon will use the guide pins to place hollow screws, which will hold the bones in place. Bone graft tissue from the part of the fibula that was removed will be placed around the joint. Then, the rest of the removed fibula will be attached to the side of the fused ankle with two screws. Finally, the incision will be closed with sutures. After ankle fusion, the patient will no longer be able to move the ankle joint. However, fusion removes the pain caused by arthritic surfaces rubbing together, and other joints in the foot continue to allow limited movement.
"Our practice involves medical negligence cases exclusively. We have six
attorneys and one physician on staff. We have used Medical Legal Art's
staff for every one of our cases over the past 12 years and have found their
services to be extraordinary. The transformation of medical records into
powerful graphic images has without fail been handled expertly,
expeditiously and effectively translating into superb results for our
clients, both in the courtroom and in settlement. Every case can benefit
from their excellent work and we unqualifiedly recommend their services.
They are the best!"
Chris Otorowski
Morrow and Otorowski
Bainbridge Island, Washington
www.medilaw.com
"The illustrations have consistently been well documented, accurate and
timely. Most important though is that the illustrations demonstrate to
juries and claims people the persuasive power of visual communication. Our
firm has achieved multiple eight figure settlements and verdicts over the
past ten years... Medical Legal Art has been there with us on every case."
Thomas C. Jones
Davis, Bethune & Jones, L.L.C.
Kansas City, MO www.dbjlaw.net
"Your firm is great to work with and, most importantly for me, you get the
job done on time and with the utmost professionalism. You should be proud of
all those you employ, from KJ to Ben B. I've been especially pleased over
the years with the work of Brian and Alice, both of whom seem to tolerate my
idiosycratic compulsion to edit, but I've not found a bad apple in the bunch
(and, as you know, I've used your firm a bunch!).
I look forward to our continued professional relationship."
Kenneth J. Allen Kenneth Allen & Associates
Valparaiso, IN
"Thank you for the splendid medical-legal art work you did for us in the
case of a young girl who was blinded by a bb pellet. As a result of your
graphic illustrations of this tragic injury, we were able to persuade the
insurance company to increase their initial offer of $75,000.00 to
$475,000.00, just short of their policy limits.
We simply wanted you to know how pleased we were with your work which, to
repeat, was of superlative character, and to let you know that we would be
more than willing to serve as a reference in case you ever need one. Many
thanks for an extraordinary and dramatic depiction of a very serious injury
which clearly "catapulted" the insurance company's offer to a "full and
fair" amount to settle this case."
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.