Tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis by a retrograde intramedullary nail

The paper presents the results of tibio-talo-calcaneal fusions using Retrograde Nailing System and Bone Grafting.

From May 2006 to January 2008, we performed 13 fusions in 11 consecutive patients with advanced ankle and hindfoot disease. Patients underwent 13 tibiotalocalcaneal fusions (2 patients had initial tibiotalocalcaneal fusion using screws and subsequently developed a non-union) and all 11 patients were available for follow up. The procedure was performed unilaterally in all cases; there were 4 males and 7 females. The average age at the time of surgery was 65.25 years (range 51-81 years). The average duration of follow-up was 8 months (range between 6-15 months).

Solid fusion was achieved in all 11 cases. The average AOFAS score (maximum 78 points) improved from a pre-operative mean of 16 points [range 3 to 29] to a mean of 54 points [range 42 to 70], excluding the scores for stability and range of motion. Patient satisfaction scale (maximum 10 points) improved from 3 to 7 in both pain and function.

1- Arthrodesis should be considered only after all conservative treatments fails; it is one of the most challenging surgical procedures that must be undertaken with care in order to provide the best possible outcome. 2- Thorough evaluation and examination will help the surgeon to find the correct indication and identify patients who are not suitable for the procedure. It is crucial to assess the vascular and neurological status and to obtain weight-bearing radiographs (possibly CT) of the ankle to evaluate the deformity. 3- The optimal position of the ankle is in neutral flexion, 0-5 degrees valgus, and 10 degrees external rotation, similar to the contralateral foot and posterior translation of the talus under the tibia (5mm). 4- Tibio-talo-calcaneal fusion with retrograde nailing and bone grafting is a successful salvage procedure in severe ankle and hind foot arthrosis with deformity.