Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics (Mar 2023)

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Comparison Between Nails and Lateral Locking Plate Complications

  • Dov Lagus Rosemberg MD,
  • Rodrigo Sousa Macedo MD,
  • Rafael Barban Sposeto MD, MS,
  • Marcos Hideyo Sakaki MD, PhD,
  • Alexandre Leme Godoy-Santos MD, PhD,
  • Tulio Diniz Fernandes MD, PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/24730114231157719
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Background: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is a well-established procedure to treat some hindfoot diseases. Currently, the most used implants are retrograde intramedullary nails and locking plates combined with lag screws, but there are few articles comparing differences regarding the complications. Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed the medical records and the radiographs of patients older than 18 years who underwent this procedure in our service between 2005 and 2019 through retrograde intramedullary nails or lateral locking plates and compression screws with at least 12 months of follow-up and with no history of osteomyelitis in these bones. Results: We evaluated a total of 67 patients; of these, 48 received retrograde intramedullary nail implants and 19 received locking plates and compression screws. The overall mean age was 48 years; the median follow-up time was 64.3 months. The complication rate was 60.4% for the intramedullary nail procedure and 52.6% for the locking plate combined with compression screws procedure. Conclusion: No significant differences were found in the complication rates between the 2 implants. Level of Evidence: Level V, Case series