title: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a compressive retrograde nail: A retrospective study of 59 nails.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is an important salvage method for patients with complex hindfoot problems. This study reports the elective results of combined subtalar and ankle arthrodesis using one design of retrograde intramedullary compression nail.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review identified 58 patients undergoing 59 tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis procedures. Mean follow up was 9.15 (3-36) months with average age 60.7 (22-89) years. A function and subjective patient satisfaction questionnaire was achieved in 89%.
  
  
  RESULTS
  53 patients (93%) achieved union at a mean time of 4.17 months. Four patients (8%) subjectively thought the procedure was of no benefit while 42 (84%) had an excellent or good result. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score for preoperative functional pain was 7.46 compared to 1.98 post-operatively (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This device and technique offers an effective treatment of hindfoot pathology giving reliable compression and subsequent fusion with excellent patient satisfaction and pain relief.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV case series.
authors.affiliation: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: aet81@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Guyver@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Guyver
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Level 6, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: James.Taylor@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Matyas.Czipri@nhs.net.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Czipri
authors.affiliation: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Nicktalbot@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Talbot
authors.affiliation: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: IanSharpe@nhs.net.
authors.forename: I T
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Sharpe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D001858:Bone Nails; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013628:Talus / Q000601:surgery*; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Ankle; Arthrodesis; Fusion; Subtalar; Tibiotalocalcaneal