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The single medial approach to triple arthrodesis: a cadaver study
Clifford L Jeng1, Cedric J Tankson, Mark S Myerson
1Mercy Medical Center, Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, 301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA. cjeng@mdmercy.com
Background:
Triple arthrodesis is traditionally done through a two-incision approach. In certain high-risk patients, it may be desirable to do the procedure through a single medial incision to avoid lateral wound healing problems.
Method:
A cadaver study was undertaken to determine the percentage of surface area of each hindfoot joint that could be prepared through a single medial incision. Five cadaver legs were assigned to the single-incision group, and one cadaver leg was used as the "standard" two-incision specimen.
Results:
Through the single-incision approach, 91% of the talonavicular joint, 91% of the subtalar joint, and 90% of the calcaneocuboid joint could be prepared. These results were comparable to the two-incision cadaver specimen results.
Conclusions:
A single-incision medial approach for triple arthrodesis is a safe and effective technique in the management of hindfoot deformity and arthritis in certain high-risk patients.