Dennyson-Fulford subtalar arthrodesis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Hindfoot valgus deformities can significantly impact pediatric lower limb function.
• Subtalar arthrodesis is a surgical option for correcting these deformities.
• The Dennyson-Fulford technique is a specific approach to subtalar fusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Dennyson-Fulford subtalar arthrodesis.
• To assess the complication rates, including pseudarthrosis and hardware issues.
• To determine the long-term efficacy of this surgical procedure in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 46 pediatric patients undergoing Dennyson-Fulford subtalar arthrodesis.
• Radiographic and clinical evaluations were performed.
• Mean patient age at surgery was 7.67 years, with a mean follow-up of 5.67 years.

Main Results:

• 70% of patients achieved good results, 20% fair, and 10% poor.
• The pseudarthrosis rate was 6.4%.
• Screw sclerosis was common and associated with pseudarthrosis, but not hardware failure; minor lateral calcaneal cortex penetration was tolerated.

Conclusions:

• Dennyson-Fulford subtalar arthrodesis provides favorable outcomes for pediatric hindfoot valgus deformities.
• Pseudarthrosis is a potential complication, but hardware failure is infrequent.
• Intraoperative radiographs are valuable for anticipating and managing hardware placement.