[Arthrodesis vs. prosthesis for end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle joint : A scientific argument].

The gold standard in operative treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis remains controversial even now. Endoprosthetic treatment, which has undergone significant improvements in recent years competes with arthrodesis, which can achieve excellent results particularly in the arthroscopically assisted technique. Both procedures offer specific advantages and disadvantages so that the decision about indications for treatment should always be made individually, taking specific needs and the individual constellation of findings of the patient into consideration.