Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis with Fresh Frozen Femoral Neck Allograft: A Retrospective Case Series

Subtalar joint distraction arthrodesis has been well reported with use of structural iliac crest or local autologous bone graft for malunited calcaneal fractures. Early reports for structural allograft did not yield good, consistent results, leading to a subsequent lack of recommendation in previous literature. Newer studies have had promising results utilizing femoral allograft as an alternative to autogenous bone graft. We performed a retrospective chart review on 10 patients (12 feet) undergoing subtalar joint distraction arthrodesis with femoral neck allograft for malunited calcaneal fractures. The primary aim of this study was to report on successful union rates and, in addition, outline any consistent complications. Twelve of the 12 procedures (100%) yielded successful fusion with a mean final follow-up of 7.7 months (range = 2.2-35.1 months). The mean increase in talocalcaneal height was 4 mm (range = 2-6 mm). The overall complication rate was 16.6%, including one superficial wound complication that healed uneventfully and one hardware removal. In conclusion, the current study reports a 100% successful fusion rate with interpositional structural femoral neck allograft in treatment for malunited calcaneal fractures.

Therapeutic, Level IV: Case series.