Triple arthrodesis in rigid foot deformities and the effect of internal fixation on clinical and radiographic results

Ahmet Dogan, Mehmet Albayrak, Fatih Ugur, Gazi Zorer

Abstract


Objectives: We evaluated the results of triple arthrodesis in rigid foot deformities and assessed the effect of internal fixation on clinical and radiographic results.
Methods: Thirty feet of 26 patients (12 females, 14 males; mean age 27 years; range 13 to 55 years) were treated with classic triple arthrodesis. Ten patients (12 feet) underwent temporary internal fixation with one or more Kirschner wires. Clinical evaluations were made with the use of both AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) and Angus-Cowell ankle-hindfoot scoring systems. Anteroposterior and lateral talocalcaneal and talus-first metatarsal angles were used as radiographic parameters. The mean follow-up period was 80.3 months (range 30 to 140 months).
Results: The mean AOFAS score increased from a preoperative 39.3 (range 16 to 59) to postoperative 90.8 (range 71 to 94). According to the Angus-Cowell criteria, the results were good in 19 feet (63.3%), fair in eight feet (26.7%), and poor in three feet (10%). Clinical improvement was statistically significant according to both scoring systems (p

References





Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica. ISSN: 1017-995x