Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis in a Singaporean hospital

To report 18 patients who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail or cannulated screws.

10 men and 8 women (19 ankles) aged 36 to 70 (mean, 52) years underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail (n=13) or cannulated screws (n=6). Indications for arthrodesis were severe cavovarus deformity secondary to polio or charcot-marie-tooth disease (n=7), severe osteoarthritis in the ankle and subtalar joints (n=6), Charcot joint deformity (n=3), failed fusion procedures (n=2), and foot drop secondary to T12 tumour surgery (n=1). The visual analogue score (VAS) for pain was assessed, as were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores (for subjective and objective pain, function, and stability of the ankle), short form 36 (SF-36), and patient expectation and satisfaction scores.

The mean follow-up period was 35.6 (range, 11-144) months. 13 of 18 patients returned for assessment of scores. 18 of the 19 ankles achieved fusion after a mean period of 5.9 (range, 3-11) months. The mean VAS scores for pain, AOFAS scores, and SF-36 scores all improved. 11 patients had good-to-excellent satisfaction and expectation scores. Two patients had severe wound infections and underwent implant removal (after bone union), debridement, and intravenous antibiotic therapy. Two other patients had superficial wound infections. One patient with retrograde intramedullary nailing had a pseudoarthrosis and underwent implant removal, redebridement, re-autografting, and cannulated screw fixation. Fusion was achieved subsequently.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis improved the pain score and quality of life, despite a high risk of complications.