Lateral Simultaneous Reaming Technique With Femoral Head Allograft Implantation for Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis

Abstract

Femoral head allograft is an accepted alternative for significant bone loss in severe hindfoot reconstruction. This is primarily because the size and shape of the graft provides not only structural support but additionally prevents significant loss of limb length. We present a case using a technique from a directly lateral approach and simultaneous preparation of the tibia and calcaneus for tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. Acetabular resurfacing reamers were used to prepare the joint for grafting as well as sculpt the graft itself for near press fit between the tibia and calcaneus. Fixation with a lateral locking plate avoids the unnecessary decompression reaming of the graft core itself, ultimately sparing the valuable poles of the graft for increased likelihood of incorporation.