Pantalar arthrodesis: a long-term follow-up

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Foot and ankle reconstruction
• Pediatric orthopedics

Background:

• Pantalar arthrodesis involves surgical fusion of the ankle and hindfoot joints.
• This procedure has been utilized for decades to address complex foot deformities.
• Indications range from congenital conditions to acquired injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes of pantalar arthrodesis.
• To compare different surgical techniques for pantalar arthrodesis.
• To identify factors influencing the success and complications of pantalar arthrodesis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 83 pantalar arthrodeses in 69 patients.
• Procedures performed between 1941 and 1977.
• Follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 33 years.

Main Results:

• Pantalar arthrodesis demonstrated success in paralytic, sensitive feet with stable knees.
• No significant difference in nonunion rates between one-stage and two-stage procedures.
• High rates of complications and fusion failure observed in insensitive feet.

Conclusions:

• Pantalar arthrodesis is an effective treatment for sensitive, paralytic feet.
• Surgical technique (one-stage vs. two-stage) did not significantly impact nonunion rates.
• Insensitive feet present a higher risk for complications and failed fusion after pantalar arthrodesis.