Centripetal compression triple arthrodesis.
Forty-nine compression triple arthrodeses were performed in 45 patients whose average age was 16 years. An external compression device was applied to secure rigid fixation of the tarsal bones. The device consisted of two large rings, six compression screws and six small transfixion rings. Union of the tarsal joints was obtained within 6 weeks in 93.7 per cent of cases, and within 8 weeks in the remaining 6.3 per cent. Non-union was completely avoided and the period until fusion reduced to almost half that expected after conventional operations. The compression also ensured maintenance of the correction of deformity initially obtained.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*