Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using intramedullary nail for severe rigid equinovarus deformity in adults

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the results of tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using intramedullary nails in adults with severe rigid equinovarus deformity of foot. Background: Foot is an amazing structure of support, balance, locomotion and sensibility. Impairment of one or more of these functions can lead to catastrophic sequelae. Equinovarus deformities of foot can be very disabling by marring the ambulation, daily activities, shoe wear and hygiene. In this paper we tend to share our experience of treating patients with posttraumatic severe rigid equinovarus deformities via tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing. Settings and Design: Prospective follow up study. Materials and Methods: We selected 10 patients (3 females, 7 males) aged 18–60 years, suffering from disabling non-braceable posttraumatic severe rigid equinovarus deformity of foot. The patients were treated via tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nailing and functional outcome was evaluated by comparing the preoperative and postoperative Kitaoka Patzer ankle arthrodesis scores and Mazur ankle arthrodesis scores. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS program for Windows, version 17.0 (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois). Result: The comparison of the preoperative and postoperative scores showed significant improvement from poor to good after tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis was done in such patients. Conclusion: We can conclude that tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using intramedullary nails is a good option to provide a stable plantigrade foot to the patient though further improvements in implant designs may bring better options.