Long-Term Outcomes of Calcaneocuboid Preservation Following Medial Double Arthrodesis for Rigid Flatfoot: A Minimum...

Background: Hindfoot arthrodesis is commonly used to treat rigid flatfoot. While traditionally performed as a triple arthrodesis, recent evidence supports medial double arthrodesis, involving only the talonavicular and talocalcaneal joints and sparing the calcaneocuboid (CC) joint. This study aims to evaluate the long-term condition of the spared CC joint more than 10 years after double arthrodesis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 17 feet in 13 patients (8 women, 5 men; mean age 43.8 ± 16.5 years) who underwent double arthrodesis for rigid flatfoot. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the AOFAS score and a visual analog pain scale. Radiographic evaluation of the CC joint was based on Graves' four-stage classification, preoperatively and at final follow-up (minimum 10 years). Results: The mean follow-up was 154.6 ± 20.4 months. No patient required additional CC arthrodesis, and all CC joints remained asymptomatic. Radiographically, degeneration improved in 9 cases, was stable in 6, and worsened in 2. The mean AOFAS score significantly improved from 23.7 ± 9.3 preoperatively to 70.1 ± 9.3 at the longest follow-up (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the mean VAS pain score decreased from 6.4 ± 1.3 preoperatively to 2.1 ± 1.2 at follow-up (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Double medial arthrodesis spares the CC joint, enabling arthrodiastasis and subchondral remodeling over time. This contributes to long-term pain relief and improved radiographic outcomes. Preserving minimal motion at the CC joint may enhance foot adaptability to uneven terrain and reduce the need for further surgical intervention.