Outcomes and Management of Infected Intramedullary Nails After Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis in Limb Salvage: A Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

Retrograde intramedullary nails are often used for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to correct severe hindfoot deformities in high-risk patient populations. The purposes of the current study are to report outcomes of patients undergoing staged management of infection after intramedullary nail fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis and to review the surgical approach to management of this limb-threatening complication. The authors reviewed patients who underwent hindfoot intramedullary nailing with subsequent revision for infection between January 2006 and December 2016. Staged protocol with antibiotic nail for the management of deep infection was used in 19 patients. The mean follow-up was 115.87 ± 92.80 (range 2.29 to 341.86) weeks. Twelve of the patients had diabetes, 10 had Charcot neuroarthropathy, and 7 had arthrodesis for equinovarus deformity. Sixteen had peripheral neuropathy and 13 had history of ulceration on the operated extremity. Limb salvage with the use of this protocol was achieved in 14 (73.68%) of 19 patients. Five (26.32%) patients had proximal amputation with 3 (15.79%) deaths within the follow-up period. Amputation was more likely in the nonsmoking (p = .01) and insulin-dependent (odds ratio = 22, p = .02) patient cohorts, whereas death was associated only with higher body mass index (p = .03). Time to revision was greater in patients with external bracing postoperatively as well (p = .004). Outcomes, including total number of procedures and retained antibiotic rods, were not associated with any of the preoperative variables or indications. In high-risk patient populations, the presented staged management of infected intramedullary hindfoot nails showed promising outcomes for limb preservation.