Long-term results of triple arthrodesis: 42 cases followed for 25 years

We reviewed 42 patients who had had triple arthrodesis 25 years after surgery. The patients' age averaged 20 years. All patients had deformities due to poliomyelitis. They were satisfied with the operation, except for one patient. Good results were noted in 13, fair in 26, and poor in 3 cases. There was delayed wound healing in 8, superficial infection in 4, and avascular necrosis of the talus in 2 cases. There was no case of delayed union or nonunion. We found degenerative joint changes in 12 ankles and in 9 feet; fourteen patients experienced pain. In spite of these long-term changes, which appear acceptable, triple arthrodesis is a useful procedure for many deformities of the foot and can solve patients' problems for many years.