The Lateral Tension Band Principle in Arthrodesis Surgery of Müller-Weiss Disease: A Central European Experience.

Abstract

In Müller-Weiss disease, because of the compression and collapse of the lateral navicular, the talar head shifts laterally over the os calcis, thus driving the subtalar joint into varus with sagging of the medial arch. The goal of operative treatment is a plantigrade, well-aligned foot with the restoration of medial column height. Reorientation of the navicular and appropriate restoration of talar orientation can be achieved with isolated talonavicular fusion. The use of a lateral tension banding plate is efficient in achieving this goal and resisting deforming forces, thus making the fusion of additional joints unnecessary.