Anatomic structures at risk: combined subtalar and ankle arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary rod

Retrograde intramedullary rodding from the calcaneus, through the talus, and into the tibia is currently an evolving procedure being used for salvage of severe foot/ankle deformity, arthritis, tumor, and instability. In this study, retrograde rodding was performed on six cadaver specimens. The specimens were then dissected to determine the subcalcaneal structures at risk and the optimal insertion point for the rod. This study elucidated the structures most at risk and showed the optimal insertion site to be at the junction of the sustentaculum tali and the body of the calcaneus.