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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
[Talonavicular arthrodesis for the rheumatoid foot]
H-D Carl1, D Pfander, G Weseloh
1Orthopädisch-Rheumatologische Abteilung, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Im Waldkrankenhaus St. Marien, Rathsberger Strasse 57, 91054 Erlangen. hans-dieter.carl@ortho-rheuma.med.uni-erlangen.de
Background:
Talonavicular joint fusion has been successfully applied for the surgical treatment of the rheumatoid foot. Several fixation techniques have been suggested for this purpose, however, with high rates of non-union.
Methods:
Based on seven cases operated in our division, talonavicular joint fusion with two 3.5 mm compression screws and autologous bone grafting is discussed. Pain in the operated foot under weight-bearing conditions was assessed before surgery and after a mean follow-up of 35 months (range 3-58 months).
Results:
Solid talonavicular fusion was achieved clinically and radiologically in all patients after 12 weeks. The surgery-related morbidity was low. At follow-up, weight-bearing pain was diminished compared to the preoperative status.
Conclusions:
Compression screw arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint in combination with autologous bone grafting is highly successful in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
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