External fixator duration for ankle arthrodiastasis?

• A. 6 weeks
• B. 12 weeks
• C. 24 weeks
• D. 4 weeks

Answer: (B)

Maintaining the external fixator long enough allows the joint distraction to translate into lasting changes in the ankle joint and surrounding tissues, including cartilage remodeling and subchondral bone stabilization. In ankle arthrodiastasis, the fixator is typically kept for about 12 weeks in total, with a short distraction phase followed by a consolidation period that gives the new joint space time to solidify and for soft tissues to adapt. This duration balances giving enough time for healing with minimizing risks from prolonged external fixation, such as pin-tract infections or stiffness. Shorter durations (like six weeks or four weeks) may not permit adequate consolidation, while much longer durations (such as twenty-four weeks) increase complication risk without clear additional benefit.