ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis using ipsilateral distal fibula buttress which had advantages of extended operative field and release of contracted soft tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 4 postraumatic compartment syndrome, 2 residual poliomyelitis, 1 posttraumatic osteoarthritis with subtalar joint infection and 1 posttarumatic sciatic nerve palsy patients who underwent a tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis from April, 1996 to March, 2002. Each of the cases was notable for a severe rigid equinovarus, persistent pus drainage of calcaneal area and paralytic foot. The mean duration of follow up was 18 months (range, 13~42 months). The pain, function and alignment were evaluated by the modified ankle hindfoot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and patients satisfaction clinically. The radiological union were evaluated by plain AP and lateral radiographs. RESULTS: The AOFAS score improved from 58 points (range, 47~78) preoperatively to 82 (range, 60~89) postoperatively. Patents satisfaction checked at 12 months after operation had favorable results (excellent and good 80%). Union rate was 100% radiographically and the mean duration of union was 12.5 weeks (range 8~22 weeks). There was 2 cases of superficial pin tract infection and one protrusion of screw. CONCLUSION: Tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis using ipsilateral distal fibula buttress was good modality of arthrodesis which provides wide operative field and release of contracted soft tissue in some cases of contracted foot.