Use of the SIGN IM nail system to stabilize tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis in two African hospital settings.

Burke, Sydney E; Wangai, Isaac K; Koech, Geoffrey K; Galat, Jeremiah D; Galat, Daniel D; Lundy, Douglas W · OTA Int · 2020

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

To determine the effectiveness and describe the technique of using the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nail to augment tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis in the developing world. Retrospective review of the SIGN database and description of surgical technique. Two centers in rural Kenya, East Africa. Fifty-seven patients with ankle/hindfoot arthritis or severe trauma. We were able to follow 17 through complete arthrodesis. TTC arthrodesis stabilized with SIGN nail. Radiographic arthrodesis and return to function. Of the patients with significant follow-up, arthrodesis occurred in an average of 19.3 ± 7.5 weeks from the date of surgery. Recognizing the obstacles to follow-up, the SIGN nail placed with the Herzog curve apex posterior is shown to be an effective device to stabilize a TTC arthrodesis in a limited subgroup of patients with full follow-up.

Anatomy