Journal List > J Korean Foot Ankle Soc > v.19(4) > 1043357

Lee, Lee, Kim, and Yoo: The Surgical Outcome of Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Using a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail

Abstract

Purpose

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis has been used as a treatment option for severe deformity including Charcot arthropathy, avascular necrosis of the talus, and severe osteoarthritis of the ankle and subtalar joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of the surgical outcome of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail.

Materials and Methods

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail was performed by one surgeon in 36 cases. Clinical and radiological finding was evaluated using assessment of fusion time, 5th metatarsal-tibial angle, possibility of postoperative complication, visual analogue scale for pain and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.

Results

Union was achieved in 33 cases at an average of 23 weeks (11∼29 weeks). There were 3 cases of nonunion and 1 case of reoperation. Nail-tibial angle tended to be larger in nonunion cases. AOFAS score showed significantly poor outcome at malalignment (≥5o), negative value of 5th metatarsal-tibial angle.

Conclusion

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail is considered a useful treatment option for severe destruction and deformity involving ankle and subtalar joint.

References

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Figure 1.
Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is done with Dyna Locking Ankle Nail (U&I Corporation). (A) Anteropostieror view. (B) Oblique view.
jkfas-19-171f1.tif
Figure 2.
Radiographs show successful fusion trabeculae crossing the fusion site on plain anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) radiographs.
jkfas-19-171f2.tif
Figure 3.
Nail-tibial angle is measured between the line bisecting the intramedullary canal of the tibia (line a) and the line bisecting (connecting) the nail (line b).
jkfas-19-171f3.tif
Figure 4.
Fifth metatarsal-tibial angle is measured between the line bisecting the intramedullary canal of the tibia (line a) and the line bisecting (connecting) inferior margin of 5th metatarsus (line b).
jkfas-19-171f4.tif
Table 1.
Change of the Mean AOFAS and VAS Score
  Preoperative Postoperative 6 mo
AOFAS score    
 Pain 12 32
 Function 24 41
 Alignment 5 8
VAS score 8.2 3.8

AOFAS: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, VAS: visual analogue scale.

Table 2.
Logistic Regression Analysis between Groups of Postoperative 6 Months AOFAS Score over 75 and below 75
Factor p-value Odds ratio 95% CI
Age 0.435 0.756 0.379∼1.480
Sex 0.076 1.022 0.997∼1.051
Disease 0.682 3.290 1.783∼6.152
Alignment (<5o) 0.059 2.543 1.133∼5.885
Malalignment (≥5o) 0.021 2.678 1.461∼4.958
Nail-tibial angle 0.573 0.762 0.378∼1.506
5th metatarsal-tibial angle 0.011 0.976 0.961∼0.989

Values are presented as number or range.

AOFAS: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, CI: confidence interval.

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