Joint Preservation consists of preserving the articular surface of the talus and the distal tibia. In patients with damage to the articular surface of the talus, a frozen articular bone graft can be applied to the affected area followed by distraction of the ankle joint for 6-8 weeks.
This technique can be performed in young patients rather than an ankle fusion or ankle joint replacement (implant).
Joint Preservation buys the patient more time until a better implant is developed and in patients which ankle joint motion is extremely necessary for everyday activity.