Triple arthrodesis revision

The feet of 13 spina bifida patients who had undergone triple arthrodesis in adolescence were reviewed at an average of 10 years after operation. Fifteen of 18 feet were considered satisfactory (83%); of the remaining three, two had recurrent planovalgus deformities and one a painful pseudarthrosis. Three feet had required revision of the triple arthrodesis, and there was one postoperative infection. No patient had lost ambulatory status as a result of foot problems and eight of the 10 patients who previously needed calipers were able to discard them or to use lighter ones...

Ten adolescent patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (12 feet) were evaluated an average of 7 years, 7 months following triple arthrodesis (TA) for the treatment of cavovarus deformity. The TA was the primary or index bone procedure. At follow-up, five feet were plantigrade, asymptomatic, and radiographically fused at all three joints. Three feet were plantigrade and asymptomatic, but two had talonavicular pseudarthrosis and one had calcaneocuboid pseudarthrosis. Three feet were radiographically fused at all three joints, but in nonplantigrade positions and symptomatic...

Thirty-seven children in whom 46 triple arthrodeses had been performed were followed up for 19 to 33 years (average, 24 years). Better results were evident in patients who had been operated on because of poliomyelitis, pes cavus or pes planus than in patients operated on for club foot, cerebral palsy or spina bifida. The use of staples appeared to improve the result. A neutral position of the heel is desirable. Varus positions required revision in three patients. A heel-toe gait was noticeable in 74% of patients...