Rational solutions for the treatment of frail patients: joint arthrodesis

Limb deformity correction in scheduled patients allows the surgeon to perform the surgical procedure in the best condition considering both timing and surgical indication for the procedure. Such principles cannot be observed in two clinical scenarios: demanding surgical procedures in patients with poor local and general clinical conditions, and need for reintervention in critical patients who previously underwent surgical procedures in ideal conditions. The combination of such aspects defines the clinical scenario of the frail patient who is not amenable to invasive surgical procedures that are otherwise routinely performed in good clinical conditions. However, in such patients it is of paramount importance to identify a surgical procedure that, although minimally invasive, is able to restore limb function and improve patient’s quality of life. Joint arthrodesis, thanks to renewed surgical techniques and modern devices, has regained a primary indication in patients with frailty.