Concurrent ankle and subtalar joint arthrodesis.

Abstract

The authors report on a new method for arthrodesing both the subtalar and ankle joints simultaneously. The technique uses a cannulated screw driven from the plantar aspect of the calcaneus and directed proximally through the subtalar and ankle joints. An inverted strut graft further supports and reinforces the ankle component anteriorly. Although one patient fractured the calcaneal-talar-tibial screw at 13 months postoperative, overall results of the five cases evaluated were excellent. Patient follow-up ranged from four to 54 months, with an average of 26 months.